Page 5 of My Russian Roommate

“So, tell me about yourself. Then I’ll know you.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Where you’re from, what your childhood was like, your family, your plans, and whatever, I guess, anything you’d like to tell.”

“That’s a lot of information and a very long story.”

I tuck a strand of loose hair behind my ear. “I’m from a very small town upstate where I grew up with my mother. I’m an only child. I came here because there’s zero opportunity where I’m from and I want to have a chance to make something of myself. I was trying to earn enough money to go back to school, but everything that I’d saved just went up in flames. So, now I have to start all over for the second time, I guess.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

“You didn’t. It’s my reality right now. Sometimes I think things will always be this way because I’m just unlucky.”

Her words ignite something primal inside me. This girl shouldn’t be feeling this way. She deserves the best of everything, and I would offer her the world on a silver platter.

“Everyone’s luck can change, little girl. I have a feeling things are going to work out better than you’ve ever imagined,” I tell her.

“Do you know something that I don’t?” she asks.

“I imagine there are a lot of things I know that you don’t. I suppose you’ll just have to trust me on this one.”

“So, tell me some things I don’t know. Take my mind off my worries and tell me about you.”

“I’m also from a small town but in Russia. It’s called Shisselburg and I come from a large family with four brothers and two sisters. When I came to America, I joined the military. I was a Marine, then when my enlistment ended, I joined the NYPD.”

“Wow, seven kids? Did you live with your mom and dad?”

“Yes, and grandparents and my uncle.”

“That’s amazing. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a big family.”

“Well, it’s not always fun when you’re a kid, but as an adult, you learn to appreciate it more. So, where’s your father?”

“Your guess is as good as mine or my mother’s for that matter. He left her when she told him she was pregnant, so I never knew him.”

“That’s a shame, little one, but you look like you turned out okay.”

“I’m trying anyway. You look like you work out a lot. Do you spend a lot of time in the gym?”

“Every day just about. My job can be stressful. I find physical activity to be the best natural stress reliever. What about you? You’re toned and fit. Do you work out?”

“I run, actually, Well I did. There hasn’t been much time for that lately. I’ve been working every extra shift that I can get. Tuition isn’t cheap.”

I take a moment to absorb everything she’s told me, and I can’t even fathom how devastating it must be to have lost what little she had.

“I’m sorry this happened to you but, if it’s any consolation, you’re welcome to stay with me for as long as you need. If you want to get ready for work a little early, I’d like to take you to buy some clothes to tide you over. As good as you look in my underwear, I don’t think you can go out in public that way.”

“That’s very nice of you and I’ll definitely take you up on the offer to stay here but you don’t have to buy me clothes. I’ll get some tips tonight and a paycheck in a few days. I’ll manage.”

“I insist. Your tips and paycheck can help pay your tuition. Now, go get ready. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Her eyes gloss over and she surprises me with a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you, so much. I’ll pay you back somehow, I promise.”

“No, you won’t. A gift is a gift. I don’t expect anything in return,” I say, but, in truth, the kiss was a pretty good start.

She puts on her uniform, and I take her out shopping. She’s timid at first and seems unsure how much I’m willing to spend on her.

“You need some of everything, I imagine. Please get what you need and don’t worry about the price. I promise I can afford it,” I tell her.

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