Chapter 1
Natalia Arlovskaya, a young Belarusian woman, was riding in the passenger seat of her boyfriend's car. Alfred F. Jones, an American and Natalia's boyfriend, drove the car, a wide smile that radiated cheer and goodwill plastered across his face.
The two were on their way home after the wedding of Alfred's brother, Matthew Williams, and Natalia's older sister, Katyusha Braginskaya. After the newlywed couple had left, so did most of the guests. Only a few stayed behind, including Francis Bonnefoy, Gilbert Beilschmidt, Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, and Arthur Kirkland, who was convinced by Francis to stay and have a drink. Alfred was even cheerier than usual and Natalia even had a small smile, in contrast to her usually serious self.
"I am happy for Mattie and Kat. They've been going out for, what? Three years now? Man, I didn't even realize it had been that long." Alfred sighed contentedly and looked over at Natalia. "If it wasn't for those two, we never would have met."
Natalia glanced downwards, a sincere smile expressing her happiness. "Yes, I am also very happy for them."
Alfred was struck by a sudden urge to express exactly how much he cared for his girlfriend, with whom he had been going out with for about two years. He turned toward Natalia and asked her a question he had been waiting to ask.
"Natalia, will you marry me?"
The Belarusian turned to face her boyfriend, shock evident in her wide eyes and open mouth. She just stared, wondering if he was joking, but realized that his face was totally serious. Tears began to well up in her eyes. "Yes! Yes! Of course I will!"
Alfred smiled and turned back to face the road as he reached over and pulled Natalia closer to him. The American was bursting with joy, his girlfriend, now fiancé, letting out tears of pure happiness.
The couple was still elated when the 18-wheeler ran a red-light, heading straight for them.