PART VI - Part 02

Stavre Nakovski sat on the bed for a few moments. The lice started to bite him on the head. He came out. He sat on the steps a little lower from Poliksena. He was embarrassed to scratch his head in front her so he went behind the house and began to rub his head. He scratched his entire body. He heard Poliksena’s voice and became upset.

2. Poliksena came down the stairs.

“Mother, Mr. Stavre is here, your friend from the picture. He is there, behind the house,” said the girl.

Ksantina Periklis ran behind the house.

“Stavre!” she yelled joyfully. “Stavre!” she yelled again and began to cry. She then ran over to him, jumped on him and threw her arms over his broad shoulders and squeezed him around his neck. She continued to cry.

Stavre Nakovski put his arms around her waist and squeezed her, driving all doubts from his mind about Ksantina’s friendly sentiments.

Poliksena came over. She watched every move they made with sadness on her face. She looked at her mother’s tearful eyes and heard every cry she made. The little girl began to weep. Ksantina relaxed her arms and gently released her grip on Stavre.

“Don’t cry my dear! Mommy is crying because she is happy,” said Ksantina to her daughter and caressed her hair. She wanted to pick her up in her arms, but the little girl was too heavy for her fragile muscles. Stavre caressed Ksantina’s hair and then lifted Poliksena above his head.

“You’re smart and a beautiful girl…” said Stavre and smiled.

Poliksena stopped crying and wiped her tears. Stavre picked her up with one arm and placed his other arm around Ksantina. A few moments later they were all smiling and happy. They went inside the house. Stavre put Poliksena on the bed. Ksantina placed her head on Stavre’s chest. They stood there for a few moments. Poliksena looked confused. Stavre and Ksantina began to laugh. Poliksena joined them.

“You must be hungry. I will make you something to eat,” said Ksantina quietly and pulled away from Stavre’s embrace. Stavre sat on the bed. Poliksena went out into the yard.

“You look tired and dirty and you are in need of a bath. I will warm some water for you but first I will prepare some food,” said Ksantina and got busy.

“There is no rush! My biggest fear was that I would not be able to find you…” said Stavre.

“How did you find me?” she asked with much interest and put some potatoes in a large pot, filled the pot with water and put it on the stove to boil.

“At first I had forgotten the name of your village. And then I remembered it...” replied Stavre.”

“And...” asked Ksantina and laughed.

“I remembered it and that’s how I got here… to be with you…” he replied.

“It was different in those days… a long time ago when I was in trouble. Do you remember the day when you found me at the train station frozen and crying? Oh my God...” she said.

“You were a good actress. I knew that the moment I saw you. I had a nose for those things…” said Stavre.

“I was a good whore too...” she added.

“Where is your other child? I remember you had two girls?” he asked.

“She is working. Two old people in the neighbouring village hired her. She is a smart girl and all grown up. She needs to work because we don’t have enough food to survive. She will be here on Sunday...” she replied and asked: “How long are you staying?”

“It all depends on the conditions. I do not know how long…” he said.

“So, this house can count on you to be its host?” said Ksantina jokingly.

“Sure, why not? Anything is possible…” replied Stavre.

They both broke out into laughter.