(I clear my throat and say the following…)
What a paradox! On the one hand I’ve never lost hope of finding new comments on this blog, on the other hand I had no intention of posting messages again.-:)
My students used to contribute a lot to «Learn and Share» but they must have forgotten even the sight (or should I say the “site”-:)) of it. I therefore have never planned to show anybody in here again. (Waiting for your ‘never say never’ now!)
Now that I mentioned the blog to you, my new academic acquaintances, I can’t help expecting you to like the idea of getting into this virtual conversation. Hope we’ll live up to mutual expectations…
(I wanted to write a lot more but have to check myself, saying to you: ‘dismissed’… at least for the time being.-;))
25 comments:
Sarah was walking quickly to the building where her job interview was going to take place. The kindergarten looked nothing special but it had one redeeming feature – the teachers’ salary. The interview was to start in about ten minutes and since the girl knew that a prospective employer, as a rule, has no intention of keeping an applicant less than it’s polite and more than it’s necessary for one to make a good impression, she didn’t lose hope of getting to her friend’s party in an hour.
“Oh, you’re here”, exclaimed one of the workers as he hurried to show her in,” the headmistress has been waiting for you impatiently for quite some time now”. Hoping that she looked presentable, Sarah entered the room and was amazed to see an ancient-looking grandma napping in her cozy office-chair. The girl had to clear her throat soundly a few times before she succeeded in waking the “prospective employer” up.
“Oh dear, I didn’t notice your coming in, I’m afraid”, she said when they shook hands, “I’m getting too old and the kids are such a handful nowadays”. Sarah nodded trying to feign understanding.”Although it’s hard to believe”, the grandma continued,” I was also young once and then it was blah-blah-blah…couldn’t help behaving like blah-blah-blah…”, Sarah concentrated on counting the time that was needed to get to the station when running really fast, only to be brought back by a faraway voice saying: “…and that’s exactly what I suggested they should do!” Sarah gulped and then smiled warmly:”I believe it was the only right thing to do under the circumstances”. The headmistress beamed and suddenly offered her something that looked like a failed product of gene engineering:”Would you like some cookies? I bake them myself, you know.”Sarah wanted to tell her just what she should do with her cookies but checked herself in time, since it was dangerous to get into conversation again, and cautiously took one. Then Mrs. Wilson, that was her name, asked the girl about her work experience, education, family et c. When she was done with the questioning, the headmistress got up. Imagining her friends’ faces, Sarah thought:”I wish you would dismiss me already so I can die in peace”. Mrs. Wilson walked to the door and said with a majestic gesture:”You look so energetic, almost like you’re ready to get up and run a mile. I would like to give you a tour of our kindergarten, now that we’ve got to know each other. Don’t worry it will take no more than an hour.”Sarah did her best to look enthusiastic but something close to desperation must have shown on her face, which made the headmistress chuckle. “Oh, I’m only joking,” she said with a smile, ”you see, when working with children one is expected to have infinite patience and good will towards all living things in general, or they are bound to be a failure. And I’m glad to say that you have what it takes to be a good teacher. I hope you will live up to my expectations and I’ll be delighted if you start tomorrow.”
Running to the station with a cookie still in her hand, Sarah wondered where do such scary old ladies come from and whether employees in hell get free meals or not.
By AngryPenguin
John woke up with a start. His cat, Whisker, was sitting beside him, looking straight into his eyes. "I'm amazed at your ability to wake me up every morning at 7 a.m. exactly," grumbled John. Realizing that the cat wouldn't let him sleep anyway, he got up and walked to the kitchen. The cat needed to be fed. Whisker outran him and started walking in front of John as if he was showing the guy into his own kitchen. John took a new can of cat's food out of the fridge and offered the cat to try it. Whisker smelt it and sniffed disdainfully. "Come on, don't you behave like the little whimsy brat you are!" - John sighed and put the leftovers of his yesterday's dinner into the cat's bowl. He knew Whisker preferred meat to any cat's food, and he couldn't help pampering the little creature. It had never been easy for him to make friends, so the cat was his only friend and John treated him as a human being.
After he finished his usual morning routine, he got dressed for work, took the car keys and left. He was well aware that he had no hope of getting to work in time due to the traffic, but he didn't really care. He was the boss. Of course it would have saved him a lot of time if he had taken the train to work, but he hated trains. Even a mere thought of using a public train angered him, so he lit a cigarette, for smoking always helped him pull himself together. Soon after that he remembered that he was trying to give up smoking and put out the cigarette. He decided he would listen to radio instead. He kind of enjoyed listening to those pointless talk radio shows in which the host would make fun of the guests, some new aspiring pop-star would bend over backwards trying to make an impression on listeners, and random people would call and proudly announce that they were expecting a baby or, say, a promotion. That time, though, there was a woman who was sure that she had been unfairly dismissed. John felt no sympathy for her; he knew that a good employee wouldn't get fired for no reason and a bad employee deserved to be sacked. That was how the things worked in John's world.
By misguided
Despite the fact that I have been waiting for it for weeks, I don’t expect much from this meeting. I can even imagine the look on Quincy Jones’ face when he learns that I am self-taught. He will be like “ I suggest you should try something different, young man.” And I will be like… Oh, whatever. I have never lost hope in my ultimate aim to become a professional musician.
The secretary shows me into the office. Jones is sitting at his huge wooden desk, thumbing some papers. Then he looks up at me and smiles warmly. I have to clear my throat before introducing myself. Jones’ smile becomes even warmer. I come up to him and we shake hands.
“Please, take a seat”, he says in a soft amiable voice. I hesitate for a moment and seat in a light comfortable armchair right in front of Jones. Suddenly I feel so nervous that my hands begin to tremble. I seat up straight as though prepared for any onslaught. Unfortunately, Jones notices it.
“ Come on, Charles, take it easy.”
“ I’ m such a failure at making good impression”, I mumble.
He bursts out laughing as if it is the most amusing joke he has ever heard.
“ Sir, I guess I should tell you something before we get to the point”.
He stops laughing abruptly and stares at me.
“ I’m a self –taught musician. I mean I don’t have any proper musical education, I can’t play from music… but I… I know what music is about, and I can hear it in my head before I play and I… “
“Stop. That’s enough”, Jones rises and my first impulse is to rise too, but I check myself.
“ You can hardly imagine how many young men, sitting in this very armchair, told me exactly what you have just said. And almost none of them knew what music was about”.
It seems to me that now I will be dismissed and I will never have this chance again. “ Oh, Lord”, I think to myself “ Why have I come here? I wish I never came”.
“ Now”, says Jones “ Let us see if you really are the one who knows what music is about”. He points out at the piano. Actually I have planned to play some sophisticated classic tune, but God knows why, I can’t help playing “ Ain’t no sunshine” by Bill Withers. When I finish I turn around and stare into Jones’ eyes.
“ It’s always been one of my favorites”, Jones takes a deep breath. “ One of the performers needs a keyboardist on her tour. I offer you this job”.
“ Thank you so much, sir! I will live up to your expectations! ”
“ You’ll have every opportunity”.
As I go out and the door closes, I hear him singing in a loud powerful voice “ Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone…”
By PeterPan
-Hello.
-Hi.
-Oh my God, are you sleepy again? The Sun is shining right in your eyes!
-So what? May I be a little bit tired after a long exhausting day of infinite studying?
-Never mind. What’s new?
The Student closed his big grey eyes, although it would not be correct to say that. There was something anthropomorphous lying on a big fluffy cloud with a lazy smile on some kind of lips. Near the Student there was another one with curly red hair that whirled and whirled around trembling from the desire to talk.
- Nothing. As usual, some writing, some worrying, some attacks of laziness. Gosh, I used to be so happy when I just sat on the floor surrounded by my car toys…
- Hey, now that we are here, we should enjoy the moment, forget about studying. Don’t you think the girl on that pinky peach-coloured cloud is nice? She’s looking at me, I got to make a good impression on her, there would not be a better possibility!
- Yeah, she’s pretty… Boy, she won’t even remember your face when she’ll wake up.
- You’re wrong. The dreams have a great influence over people, especially girls! I have to get into conversation with her, otherwise she…
- You’d better pay more attention to Professor Schwarz. I dare say she is quite umm nice, if it’s the most important quality for you, besides, if she remembers your compliment after waking up she will put you something better than that F she had put.
But his interlocutor did not hear him. He was flying around the cloud where a charmingly smiling girl was talking over some exquisitely interesting topic with her girlfriend. He cleaned his ghostly throat and asked: «Are you waiting for me?» The girl looked at him amazed, but she couldn't help answering «Yes, I'm waiting for you». She told something to her friend and took the boy's arm. He beamed with joy and gave a wink to the Student. “I wish I were as optimistic as that fellow is.” - the latter thought. The couple took off from the cloud and disappeared. There were only sounds of laughter moving away slowly…
“Wake up you unbearable men!” – Professor’s Schwarz shrill voice burst into boys’ heads so rudely that they couldn’t help falling off from the desk. The students stood up rubbing their foreheads. The boy with red hair gave a quick glance at the girl with a dark pigtail. He did not expect to receive any attention, but he was amazed to see her open smile.
Grobynja.Sklepoff
Jenny was sitting at the table in a small cafe. She was waiting for a man of forty five and did not actually know how he looked. She had not seen her father since she was five. She never knew about his imprisonment and why he had been gone, but still she never lost hope of seeing him again. Jenny expected their first meeting to be very difficult and clumsy as it was not an easy thing to get into conversation with a person whom you used to love but who you did not communicate with for years.
"Jenny?" she suddenly heard a trembling voice. There he was. At that very moment she couldn't help recognising him: the same eyes and voice with which she used to fall asleep and get updaily in her childhood. It was the waiter who had shown him to Jenny's table. His face wore an expression of being amazed to see her again after such a long separation. They both id not know what to start with and shaking hands with each other seemed to be a good beginning. The middle-aged man was anxious to make a good impression on his hewfound daughter. He had to clear his throat before speaking. They needed to tell each other so much. It was extremely difficult to pick the right words but after a while nothing in the world could interfere their talk. "I wish I had never lost you", he confessed. "I mustn't have commited that crime for the sake of seeing you every day of my life". She couldn't help bursting into tears. He offered Jenny a handkerchief. "I had no intention of getting you upset"- he mumbled confusedly. "I am not upset. Now that I've found you I'm happy". About three hours later it was high time to go home. Jenny suggested that they should meet the next day. He could not but dismiss her and felt iclined to cry but managed to check himself. Now he would do anything to make up for the passed years and live up to Jenny's expectations.
scary kid
One morning Lord Wellington woke up later than usual. He went towards his window and saw that the morning was dull and foggy. He used to have a walk in the morning, but then he had no wish to do it. Then suddenly he saw his son Albert waiting for somebody in their arbour. After some time he saw a girl next to Albert. They were talking in a very casual manner and Albert gave her a kiss at her cheek. Lord got furious. He called his son and showed him into the study.
‘ Albert, how would explain all this? Who is that girl?’
‘Father, it is Linda. She is a very nice and smart girl. I’m in love with her.’
‘I expected you to choose a better girl. Don’t you want to say that you have an intention to marry her? ‘
‘Actually, I do want to marry her and I even made her proposal. And I don’t lose hope to get her agreement. ‘
Lord got angry. He was very impulsive and could do everything even most foolish things in such a state. So that time he dismissed his gardener. Lord forgot that McAllister was looking after his favourite pumpkin that was close to win a prize at the Agricultural Show.
After two weeks of strained relations with his son Lord Wellington put up with son’s choice and decided to get to know Linda’s family closely. He suggested their visiting his residence and asked them for lunch. Albert offered to arrange the event.
At the lunch Lord got into conversation with Gregory – Linda’s father. He was amazed to see that though the family was not that rich and they were not from high society, they looked smart and acted with dignity. Lord felt an affection for them and for he was very talkative, could hardly check himself and keep his first impression of Linda a secret.
After the lunch Lord shook hands with Gregory, cleared his throat and said:
‘Thank you for your visit. I was so glad to have you at my place.’
Lord was really pleased. The family made an extremely good impression on him. Then he couldn’t help admitting that his son had made the right choice.
‘ I wish I had got to know them earlier’, he said to Albert.
Now that relations between parents and children had fallen into place even Lord’s favourite pumpkin blossomed out and soon lived up to his expectations and won the prize at the Agricultural Show.
By Heilig.
The snow was gently falling on two horsemen struggling forward through the undergrowth. It was another day of their long journey which was about to finish. It seemed as one of them didn’t lose hope of getting to the castle that very night – he hastened and cursed his horse each time it stumbled over the roots. The other one, who was much smaller, all wrapped in fur and wearing his house arms at the breast – two grey towers with gold and green serving as a background - gave him a notice: ‘We must have been going the wrong way, I think, as we have been riding for far too long already. Fat chance we will have a succulent piece of pork near the fire tonight. So I see no point in driving our horses too hard’ – ‘I used to ride here almost every week when I was a squire, my lord, and I steel know all the ins and outs of that damned forest’ – said the fellow with irritation. ‘All right, sir donkey – thought the nobleman – I have no intention of arguing with you but when I got to the place I will dismiss you at once’. The nobleman had money to pay and the tall sturdy fellow had a sword to protect him – that was nothing but a mutual interest. One more hour was spent in silence as neither of them was eager to make a good impression on the other when they saw the high black walls and fires above them. ‘Here it is’ – said the swordsman with delight and glanced at his fellow-traveler. The nobleman was amazed to see such a good piece of fortification – the walls were higher than he had expected and he could see guardians walking from tower to tower. ‘Let’s hurry up’- suggested he and they galloped to the gates. When they got to the drawbridge a guardian hailed them and asked to wait until the bridge would be pulled down. ‘Seems they have been waiting for that the hub of the universe’ – even though it was said quietly the nobleman heard it. He had an impulse to say something in return but checked himself as he didn't want to stoop to argue with that soldier. Two guardians went out of the gates to show them in. As they got into the yard the fellow jumped off his horse with a cry and shook hands with one of the guardians. ‘What a wonderful peace of luck!’ – ‘Good heavens! Is it you, Jimmy?’ – ‘It is me! I wish I have come earlier but I couldn’t’ – ‘My guard is almost over, let’s go with me and I’ll offer you a good mug of beer!’ They got into conversation and went to the guardroom. The nobleman stood alone with a grin on his face. ‘Lucky me! I don’t even have to pay him as I promised’ - he said with a chuckle. He dismounted and went to the castle door. ‘I couldn't help shivering, what a cold it is’ - he thought knocking at the door. The door opened and another guardian hailed him. The nobleman smiled and stepped inside. The castellan was the only person whom the nobleman needed and now that he was at the threshold of the chamber he cleared his throat, put in order the clothes and set straight his fur cloak to live up the castellan expectations. He pulled the door and…
Written by Snowfrost
It was dusk. I was sitting in our clubroom. Though the beams of setting sun were shinning, it was cold. Yes, December as it is. That Siberian cold air system should just as well change its course. It's not the matter of importance to come down every year like that. Well, what can I do?
I shivered with cold and gave a deep sigh. I remembered that I must have done my club work. It's not that difficult; I got used to the way I had been used for a half of the last year. Nevertheless, I couldn’t say I had been happy about it. The matter is that I became a member of the club under compulsion.
It had been a warm day of May. I had been having my lunch in the cafeteria when someone grabbed me by my collar. I heard a steady voice saying that I had been chosen to be a member of club of paranormal activities. No, it’s wrong. The voice said that it was “the spreading excitement all over the world student club”. I had to put some efforts to break out myself from the grabber. I cleared my throat and turned back to look at the speaker. It was a beautiful girl with long black hair. I had no intention of meeting with that girl. She had been known as “the odd one”. They had been saying that she had been out of her mind from such things like aliens, extrasensory, time travelling, magic and other unordinary things. Rumors like that hadn’t done her a favor, but at first sight she made a good impression. Moreover, I had adored that girl. I couldn’t say I fell in love with her, but I liked her. So, I had been amazed to see her at that moment. I couldn’t even expect that she would ever get into conversation with me. Recalling my feelings at that moment, I can’t say I could refuse her saying. Besides, I think she had no intention of hearing any refusal. So confident she had looked at that moment.
So, now I’m a member of some odd club. My work… well, if it can be called “a work”… my work is to search everything outstanding around me. It sounds ridiculous, but that’s true. The girl really is into things like magic and aliens. I won’t be ashamed if I learn that she even believes in Santa Claus. Perhaps, one of her biggest dreams is to shake hands with some creature from Mars or something. I wish these things would live up to her expectations. I want her dreams to come true. My friends are saying now and then that this makes me the odd one too. Well, I can’t help doing it. I can offer my soul to make her happy.
Now that you’re aware of my thoughts, I want you to help me in one thing. Keep your fists clenched. Today I’m going to ask her about one thing. I want you not to dismiss this request. I’m going to suggest her dating with me.
by StarGuardian
Doctor Wellstone was sitting at his desk, leaning at the back of his chair. He never used to stay late at work, but today he had to consult one more patient, Mr Thompson. The doctor was a rather happy man. He had a wife and two lovely little daughters. He was content with his job, his secretary Jane always tried to make a good expression on him and to live up to his expectations. Nevertheless at this moment he was full of cloudy thoughts, frowning and preparing himself for a very distressing talk. He had just received the results of Mr Thompson’s tests. The doctor had to tell his patient that he had a dangerous disease. Though Wellstone never lost his hope of curing his patients, it was always hard for him to tell such horrible news. It occurred to the doctor that Mr Thompson had been waiting for the appointment for a quarter of an hour, so he pulled himself together and asked Jane to show him in. When the patient came in, the doctor was amazed to see how healthy he looked: athletic, with rosy cheeks and broad handsome smile – just what Wellstone did not expect to see. He shook hands with Thompson and offered him a seat. It was hard for the doctor to speak, but now that Thompson was in his room, he cleared his throat and tried to get the patient into conversation. It was time to come to the point and the words were about to escape his lips, but he checked himself and thought “oh, how I wish a miracle to happen...” His thoughts were interrupted by Jane, who came to say that the laboratory staff must have confused the test results and Thompson was absolutely healthy. Though the doctor had no intention to be impolite, he just couldn’t help laughing. He dismissed the patient, who was rather confused by the doctor’s behaviour, and went home with a happy heart and a wide smile resting on his cheerful face.
By monkey
An old, hole-ridden Sock was peaсеfully sleeping under the bed when he was suddenly disturbed by his grumbling neighbour - Vacuum Cleaner. He had to work and didn't want to wait for Sack's waking up. So, Vacuum Cleaner cleared his throat and said in a rough hoarse voice:
"I expect you to get away as soon as possible. " But Sock had such a nice dream and was in high spirits, that's why he had no intention of arguing and quarreling. "He must have cleaned all the house already and is dead tired. I wish I could offer some help to old chap...!".-thought Sock. "He is always so nervous, so miserable, but why?..I believe he has a kind heart and I'll prove it to him!" Sock used to ask strange questions and then he took courage in both hands and said:
" You see I was sleeping. And I impeded your work. But in what is it?You make the area cleaner...So, what about you?If you do good for others, why is there so much negative inside you? When did you laugh last time?"
Vacuum cleaner looked in wide-eyed astonishment. These words struck him to the innermost of his heart. He had never think of it and now he couldn't help reiteraiting them in his head. Sock realized that his emotional speach had made a good impression on the Vacuum Cleaner. How he was amazed to see a glitter in Vacuum Cleaner's eyes...
"You're right...I really became a stupid machine, I lost hope of finding happiness. But it's so simple!I help others, all what I should do is just to dismiss rubbish from my mind and follow my vocation!"
After these words Vacuum Cleaner was about to fall into Sock's arms but he checked himself and they shook hands with one another like real friends. They got into the conversation about the joy of life and Vacuum Cleaner suggested to show Sock into the balcony, where he usually spent his free time and they were looking out of the window and enjoying simple landscape. Their hearts were filled with joy. Vacuum Cleaner lived up to Sock's expectations.
By Sleepwalking Dream
fndvfn
Dear mother,
Thanks for promoting me! I will do my best in order to live up to your expectations. When you offered me this job, I was the happiest person ever. I used to be irresponsible. But you will be amazed to see how I’ve changed after getting this position!
Now that you’re away on your vacation you can relax and rely on me.
When a girl from reception showed me in, I was quite nervous. I made an effort to smile and shook hands with everybody. I think, they all expected me to be much older. At first some of them took no notice of me while the others flattered.
I wish the first week had been more successful. Breaking your chair was not a very good beginning. Nobody in our department will forget it, everyone is still making fun of me. Of course, I didn’t lose hope and tried to establish some kind of friendly relationship with the girl from reception. I was eager to make a good impression on her. When we got into conversation, I understood I was completely wrong.
She suggested that I should be more confident. I could never check myself. Although I was the boss, I couldn’t help worrying about my qualification. I always had to clear my throat before speaking and I spoke in a very low voice. I broke everything and couldn’t organize the workers.
I must have been a complete failure.
Vanessa helped me a lot. We set down to business and I managed to understand the working process soon. Our income has notably increased. I hope, I manage the affairs well. I know, you wait for me to become a prosperous business-woman. First I had no intention of following in your footsteps, but when I dismissed some of your employees I felt at ease. Don’t worry, they were really useless.
Enjoy your holidays and don’t be anxious! You mentioned in your previous letter, that if I didn’t make your secretary come back, you would be extremely unhappy. But isn’t your daughter the most precious person in the world? I found the way to make everyone agree with my opinion.
Kisses, Laura.
by Whisper
Part 1
"Tommy must have done it".
While sitting in the kitchen, slowly sipping the milk and looking through the fresh paper, I had been thinking the recent events over and over. If Tom was to blame, then all the investigations were finally over. The shooter had been caught, he would be put to a trial and ,finnaly , to the prison, for the rest of his life. The police officer would have his medal and new commission, the people would finnaly sleep calmly. Everybody seemed satisfied with such ending.
"Why not?" - I asked myself.
"Because you knew he wasn't there", - said Johny angrily, - "You saw him roaming about the Kensington Road, drunk, as usual."
That dirty bastard was right. That was the only thing that prevented me from leaving the case as it is. I sometimes wondered, where he drew his never-ceasing enthusiasm and interminable lust for justice.
"So what do we have, Johny? Testimony of an old half-blinded fool? They received it. And that is all. The defending-side has nothing else".
Johny seemed ruined. But not for long. The uncertainty transformed into confidence and he said:
"You think so? But let me say, what I think: they also have a seasoned stubborn sleuth, still not losing hope of proving that Tom is only guilty of being constantly overdrunk". Damn his enthusiasm!
That day I decided to visit Tom in Ashville. The poor guy could not have any intention of committing a murder. A murder like THIS. Even I was shocked of seeing the crime scene. All this blood... God, save us. But I wanted to read the truth straightly from the Tom's face, like in my old days I used to define the innocent from the guilty. Straight-away, you know. Enough vanity. Let's get to the point.
Part 2
Ashville looked worn and shabby. That was the only place that remained untouched and that could drown me in the abyss of nostalgia. Something special was about this place. It had become a concentration of everything my life had been bound to. Our division used to call it "Big Mum". It seemed to us being put into this prison seemed like being adopted by an old embittered b***h, who welcomed you warmly and then killed you in a very, very slow way. Thanks to us, she had never been alone. Quite opposite, we constantly supplied her with "kids" in need of a strong motherly hand. To spank their asses till red.
I looked up to enjoy a habitual greyness in the sky, then went straight to the front gate. I cleared my throat and addressed the guard and, after a small talk, they let me in. The whole procedure didn't take long because I had been expected, so, after I had been showed in, I only had to wait till they let the accused in. And then he went in.
To say that old Tommy looked miserable is like saying that Hitler felt just a confusion because of loosing war. Tommy's hair was dishevelled. His movements were filled with anguish. His eyes were crowned with huge shadows under the eyes. And they hid the terror of his situation, all his sufferings and pain. He had a glare of an innocent man.
"Good morning",- I said to him,trying to fit the most warm tone to my words. I wanted him to feel at ease.
"I am amazed to see you here, Robert". He said with a litle tremble in his voice. " I would've shaken hands with ya if I could, but that GODLESS..." He suddenly jumped off the chair and hit the guard with his head. A minute after he had been calmed by the guards' batons and put back to the cell. And that's all. He seemed to know something and he was locked in a cell without visiting permission. He would be accused of an escape try and everybody would feel more confidence in his guilt. But I knew it was quiet opposite.
"You've got something to offer me, Johny?" - I asked my tireless companion.
"I suggest going to Bob's and thinking over what we've got of Tom's behavior".
"I couldn't help thinking that Tom is innocent".
"Because he is NOT!" - his words were so loud in my head that I thought for a moment that Johny really existed. I wouldn't have beared it, honestly saying. "He had been making a good impression of a pleasant neighbour, until his wife died".
"Poor Tom".
""Poor Tom" would not help him at all".
"You talk like you've got an idea!"
"Personally me - not. But that guy in a suit in the opposite corner of the cafe had been watching you right from the moment you entered." I furtively glanced at this man. The moment I looked at him, he stood up and headed in my direction. He put his hand inещ еру inner pocket of his jacket, like, prepairing to take out something. We were alone in the cafe. Even the waitress had suddenly disappeared. I prepaired for the worst.
Part 3
Then he took out something and put on the table. It was a business card. I was examining it,while he was sitting down.
"Mr Trennt",- I've read with a little hoarse aloud from his card.
"Nice to meet you too, Mr Dawson", - he replied immediately. Now I could examine him. Tall, blonde hair, significant look and a smile that looked like a grin. A typical lawyer. But his tone was most welcoming.
"What business your agency sent you for?" - I asked.
"Don't be so suspicious. We are on a similiar side. I'm Mr Boulder's lawyer. And no one sent me to you. I've dug about you myself and that was quite a job, I should say". He smiled complacently.
"Now you have me here. What's on your mind?" - "Don't trust lawyers" was my credo.
"I want you to live up to my expectations, Mr Dawson". He lowered his head. "I know you had got into conversation with my client, which had ended in a very inapropriate way. You should know such people like him. Well, it was the part of your job, I suppose". His tone was unacceptable.
"You came here to spit acid or what, loosing lawyer?" 1:1
"Surely not to make friends".
"You are the most straightforward of your kinsmen". I started to hate him.
"Straight to business, Mr Dawson. Now that we both want this old man free, I just can't help thinking of signing a partnership between us".
"A bad start for a partnership".
He stared right into my eyes.
"I'm...horribly sorry if I insulted you. I wish this case was less... demanding. But it's not". When he put off his lawyer's mask it became much more pleasant to talk to him.
"Is there a chance you'll be dismissed if you loose that case?"
"A little one", - he smiled, but whom he wanted to make fun of.
"I still can't put it in my head, what an old trash like me can do for you?"
"Such people like you never grow old. They become more seasoned. Until senility, of course".
"You are a joke".
"I'm a lawyer".
"A joking lawyer? Don't be afraid of losing your job then. You can make a career in the circus. Or on a stage to please the growing old beer bags and their growing bald maids".
"You are an old grumbling farter, I should say."
We laughed out loud, but then we managed to discuss the case, It appeared that that young fellow possessed a significant amount of information, concearning the case. He had prevailed, where I had failed, but he failed to make use of it. Not because he was stupid or something like that. He was a freshblood. But with a potential,which I saw right-away. So, in order, to start a serious investigation he needed a mentor. Somebody with a skill and an ability. Who had already proven himself. Somebody, who is interested in the case. More of that, in proving Tommy's innocence. He needed me and he had got me. Maybe all this conversation was another lawyers trick. I don't know. I know, that I trusted this young lad and, unfortunately for Johny, who immediately became jealous of my attention, he had never let me down.
BESTSELLER DETECTIVE STORY by Master of DETECTIVE FICTION - KoksTV
That is the first time Jackie comes to Russia. She didn’t expect it to be so cold in October as in her native country people still are wearing T-shirts and blouses and nobody has an intention of putting on jackets and coats. To tell the truth there is no need of them in Jamaica. And now she is standing near the exit of Domodedovo Airport shivering like a fading leaf and reproaching herself for not have taken a couple of woolen sweaters and gloves. “I wish I weren’t so stubborn sometimes and listen to my friends’ advice!”
Actually, this whole adventure started with Jackie’s friends who suggested that she should take a break in her everyday promotion chase and try something new, something she had never done before. She couldn’t help agreeing with them as she felt completely exhausted. The point is that Jackie works as an assistant professor in University of the West Indies in Mona and during recent 2 years she was trying to make a good impression over the dean to receive the tenure and become an associate professor as soon as possible. She always took up some additional activities with students to please the governing body of the university and never asked for extra holidays because she was afraid of being dismissed.
But this time it was different. She felt like losing herself in work and forgetting the world surrounding. “Oh, look at yourself! Remember how you used to walk in the evenings, enjoy sunsets, go to parks and eat two portions of ice-cream at once. Where has this all gone? Where is your life now?” – thought Jackie in one of her sleepless nights.
So the next morning she took all he courage in both hands and went to the chancellor’s office, waited for the latest visitor to leave and then knocked at the door. She had to clear her throat before entering into conversation as her whole inner world was ready to blow up in every second. “You see, it’s getting harder and harder to live up to your expectations of me as a competent professor. I feel so exhausted that it takes me a great deal to concentrate while giving lectures. I don’t know whether I have such a possibility, but I would like to take a vacation.” A deep silence set in in the room. The chancellor didn’t show any emotions but it was evident that something was going in his mind. He folded the arms and said with a tender smile: “Oh, my dear! You must have asked me by far earlier! I don’t want my teaching staff to faint during one of the lectures. Now that you finally came to me I can offer you a free vacation to Moscow as one of Moscow universities have decided to broaden its horizons and to start relations with us.” Jackie was amazed to see how easily everything had been sold. They shook hands and she went to pack her bags.
And now these very bags lack for a pair of warm socks. It is raining hard and she tries not to lose hope of finding a person holding a plate with her name. “Excuse me, are you Ms. Houston? – Exactly. – Nice to meet you, I am Professor Ivanov. Let me show you into our taxi.”
By C.W.S.
- You're not going anywhere, - said the bearded woman. She gave him a sad look and shook her head.
Bob was surprised that she spoke to him and even more so by her words. He was on his way for a job interview. He knew everything he need to say there, he could get into any conversation with his potential boss and was ready to live up to his expectations. Bob was sure that this time everything will be perfect.
He had a noon appointment, and there was still a lot of of time to get to place. He had no intention to be late, but when he saw a carnival procession he couldn't help but stay and watch. It's there the bearded woman waited for him with her ominous words.
Bob was going to say her to mind her own business, but she was already far ahead. In her place was a crowd of midgets now. There were dozens of them, they were riding on various weird vehicles, singing and laughing. Last midget was driving a big carnival car. Suddenly he cleared his throat and said in a deep voice: "Do not let the bearded woman to discourage you. Do not lose hope of getting your wish fulfilled."
Then he smiled encouragingly and drived past Bob.
Now there were elephants, lots of them. Everyone around were amazed to see their colours and costumes, but not Bob. He used to live in the city where such things were a common sight. It takes more than several pachyderms, midgets and beards to surprise him. It's the length of procession that astonished him.
- What time is it? - asked Bob a tall man nearby. The man ignored the question. He was completely engrossed by stilt-walkers.
- That's amazing, - shouted the man.
Bob called to him once more. The man pulled himself together and looked down at Bob.
- What time is it? Half past twelve.
- Oh, no. I should have been there half an hour ago! I wish I hadn't chose this road!
- Hey, I can give you a lift, - offered the man.
But it was too late. Bob missed his appointment and lost his job opportunity. It was just like the bearded woman said. He wasn't going anywhere.
by Rhiannon
A man woke up in a dark, small, dusty metal room. The room had no windows, no furniture, air was stale and the room was so badly lit, that he could hardly see his fingers. The only thing, that existed there except walls, was a solid metal door with a dim, little red lamp on top of it. The man tried to stand up, but he was unable to do that, his head was about to break into tiny pieces and he almost didn’t feel his legs. He fell on knees. The man decided to have a rest. Now, that he started to regain his consciousness, he was amazed to realize that he can’t remember the past or even his name. The man was terrified, he was completely lost. He started to panic, but he checked himself in time. The man shouted, but his throat was dry so he couldn’t pronounce a sound. He cleared his throat and shouted, the man wanted somebody to answer his call, but only echo was in response. The man had a strong will and he was very optimistic so didn’t lose hope of calling someone for his rescue. Time passed and suddenly the door opened and Bob realized that it was just a weird, bad dream. The weirdest thing was that a day before in the bar Bob was drinking beer with a complete stranger and made a bet with him that it’s impossible to forget your name.”I guess he was right, damn, I wish I hadn’t met that fellow”- said Bob and went to the kitchen to make a cup of black coffee.
Adam walked up to the door and rang the bell. An old servant opened in and let him in without any questions.
- Shall I show you in? – He asked eventually.
- Don’t bother yourself, - Adam answered. - It won’t take long.
Adam past through a richly furnished room and went up the stairs. The owner of the mansion was waiting for him in his cabinet. He was a tall man, slightly higher than Adam with grey hair and linen face. All his features showed he used to be handsome.
- Ah, nice to see you, Mr. Jenkins, – He said cheerfully.
- I had no intention to keep you waiting, - Adam said in a cold voice.
The man was surprised by Adam’s coldness but he quickly checked himself. They shook hands. The man offered Adam a chair. Hecleared his throat.
- Down to business, I suppose? – He smiled, trying to make a good impression. – I was expecting you.
- And here I am. – Adam was serious.
- But may I ask, what is the reason of your visit?
- I am here to talk. Just for now. – He added. - What do you know about me?
- You are a detective. – The man answered. - And you are here for business. That’s all I know. Would you like a cup of tea?
- No, thanks. But you were waiting for me. You know what case I’m investigating.
- I wish I didn’t, - the man answered sadly. – The poor lad, he always was so nice to me.
- But it didn’t prevent you from firing him.
- I’d be amazed to see him working in my team but he wasn’t special. I got into a conversation with him once. He had a normal life, wanted to make a career. But he wasn’t a leader. And when all this happened... I couldn’t help firing him. I suggested that he should find a better job somewhere, but he wouldn’t listen.
He poured some whisky in a glass and took a large sip. Adam looked at the expression of his face. The old man started to feel nervous.
- I’d be amazed to see him doing well. I must have known he would make no good when I took him, you would say. But I thought he’d live up to my expectations. By the very end I didn’t lose hope.
- What was the official reason you fired him?
- He was accused of stealing neurophosin. So he preferred to be fired.
- Not a thing you’d expect from a good guy, - Adam noticed.
- Now that you ask I remember that he wasn’t actually selling it. He gave it away for free to the people who were in need.
- Do you mean he did it for charity?
- Absolutely. But I see what you think. It wasn’t me who killed him. Comparing to our sales it was nothing. The numbers were so small we hardly noticed it. Check dealers, my money’s on them.
- Thank you for the story, - said Adam, rising from his chair. – I shall dismiss you now.
- Oh, not at all, not at all, - The old man felt release.
by darthbane
"Oh Gosh, does the time fly! I wish it was summer again!"- said Chris when skyping to his brother Dan back in England -"I expected the first year of the University to be the hardest one. Now that it's my sophomore year, apparently, I've started to realize that our home tasks will grow just more and more torturous..."
Dan suggested he sleep a little as he was amazed to see eye bags on Chris's face. Actually, he'd wanted to compliment on gaining the look of a real student but checked himself. He had no intention of lowering Chris's self esteem.
Frankly speaking, Dan and Chris were not that much of brothers untill the last one have left for the University in France. Chris couldn't help but practice his karate skills on the younger brother when he was at home. After he'd left the house, during his skype-calls he really got into conversations with Dan. Then he thought he must have done a great mistake when was beating up his brother. Though, after karate exercises Dan was always dismissed without physical damage, still he anxiously waited for Chris to leave the house forever. But time heels, bad memories disappear, and it was this summer that Chris suggested him a trip to Greece and offered to pay for it. The vacation made their bromance stronger.
So there they were: skyping each other on the daily bases. Dan was a smart fellow and understood immediately why he got a call at such a late hour. In order to live to Chris's expectations he'd cleared his throat and said cheerfully -"Hey, why wouldn't you write down the topic of your project and go to bed?" A broad smile crossed the face of the exhausted student. "Thank you for being such an awesome brother!"-answered Chris,-"I really appreciate it." Then he switched off the pc and headed towards his bedroom.
By TGIF:)
I've been waiting for my friend Mary, I was expecting to have a nice day with my friend and I was rather amazed to see her in a company with one stranger. I couldn't help being disappointed, I wished I had not come there. But I checked myself and tryed to dismiss all bed thoughts. I shook hands with the stranger, but I still had no intention of talking to him. But he cleared his throat and introduced himself as Brad. I still didn't lose hope of having a nice day, and it lived up to my expectations, because Brad made a good impression on me and we got into conversation very soon. I was happy that Mary took him.
by V.I've been waiting for my friend Mary, I was expecting to have a nice day with my friend and I was rather amazed to see her in a company with one stranger. I couldn't help being disappointed, I wished I had not come there. But I checked myself and tryed to dismiss all bed thoughts. I shook hands with the stranger, but I still had no intention of talking to him. But he cleared his throat and introduced himself as Brad. I still didn't lose hope of having a nice day, and it lived up to my expectations, because Brad made a good impression on me and we got into conversation very soon. I was happy that Mary took him.
by V.
Two people met in the street and got into conversation. They were obviously waiting for somebody and tried not to loose hope of seing that person. One of them behaved very emotionally and it was difficult for him to check himself, but the other seemed to be used to it and it did not expect other behaviour. Finally the third man appeared. The first two were amazed to see him. One of them cleared his throat and offered to help the third one with heavy bags that he was carrying. He was obviously their boss. They shook hands and the boss suggested going inside the building nesr which they were standing. Two people wanted to make a good impression on him and agreed happily. They had no intention of flattering, but they both could not help admiring the third person. Their boss must have been pleased by such an attitude, but judging by the impression of his face he was not. He looked as if he tried to live up to his expectations but he did not have an opportunity to do it. Finally he showed them into a dark old building. Now that they entered it I did not have the opportunity to watch them. I wish I had though, as when they came out they looked as depressed as if they had just been dismissed.
By Carrot.
I had always lived in luxury before those times. But out business had crashed and busted, my father gave way to despair and mother fell ill. I had no intention of having a job, but I couldn’t help but find it. I never used to live up my parents’ expectations but that time I couldn’t let them down.
I wished it would have been something connected with languages because I was a linguist but I was offered only primitive work. But I tried not to lose hope, I must have found a job that I deserved. Every morning I woke up early, checked myself (I always wanted to go back to bed) and went in search of work. My mother was amazed to see me trying so hard and she waited for me at home all the day long.
(…)
That day was a happy one for me. I had an interview in a huge corporation. I was sitting in a hole expecting my turn and was extremely nervous. After 15 minutes a secretary called my name and shown me into a spacious light room. There were two men talking about something. I cleared my throat. «Do they suggest me getting into conversation? What should I do to make a good impression? »
(…)
Now that our financial position is acceptable I'm out of work again. I was dismissed on my own and have no regrets.
By Frustyle
One day Charlie came to the B.S. A again. He was asked for the audition. He tried to pull himself together . he wanted to make good impression , to live up their expectations, of course, if they had some. He had a strong intention of becoming an actor. It was his biggest dream.
He used to have different and difficult jobs but he never lose hope of becoming an actor .It was a matter of great importance for him. That was the reason why he was so nervous. He knew that he would have just one chance to prove that he had a talent.
He entered the agency and was showed in. The assistant asked him to wait for Mr.B. In ten minutes he was asked to come in. Charlie was amazed. He did not even dream to see Mr. B. He was so famous. He was super star. They shook hands. Charlie was extremely nervous. It was difficult for him to get into conversation .He cleared his throat and tried to speak. He just said his name when Mr. B. offered him to deliver a small part. Charlie did it easily. It was a great success and he got this past.
It was the happiest day of Charlie.
By T
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