Nadia slept exceptionally well, despite her not entirely comfortable position. She opened her eyes and moved slightly. Something was holding her. She looked around. She was lying on top of him, his arms around her, and she was still holding Freud's book in her hands. He looked bewitching, with a blissful expression on his face. She remembered the situation they found themselves in, and at the mere memory of it, she smiled to herself. She hadn't expected any sign of warm feelings from him, certainly not so soon. He surprised her. Usually looked like a cold strategist, definitely more mature than his age might suggest, even... old. Maybe the conversation with Oliver actually changed something? She didn't resist, she wanted him to open, and his awkwardness and uncertainty turned out to be exceptionally sweet. In the end, he managed to pull himself together to say what he felt, if only partially. She took it as a personal success, though she probably didn't have much of a stake. She looked at the great antique ticking clock against the wall. It was getting closer to 5:00. She was very reluctant to say it, but she had to pull herself together for her morning training. Would have liked to see Robert slowly open his hazel eyes, looking at her with that stoic calmness of his. But she could not afford even a slight deviation. She freed herself from his arms and gently descended from the sofa, then put the book down on the book of Julius Caesar's poetry lying on the table. She smiled at the sight of it. She was not surprised by his choice, sometimes it seemed to her that Robert was related to him. Or is it just that eagle nose and the strong jawline? She grabbed a blanket from the back of a nearby armchair. She covered the boy gently with it, and then in a fit of courage, she kissed the smooth cheek. If it weren't for the fact that he was asleep, she probably wouldn't have made up her mind. She slipped out of the living room, closing the door quietly behind her.
~~~*
He stretched, lazily opening his eyelids. Smiled slightly at the memory of the night before and how calmly she had fallen asleep propped up against his body. Wiggled his fingers slightly, sensing nothing but a warm blanket on him. He sprang to a sitting position, feeling his heart pound against his chest. He looked around nervously. The only trace she left was a book on the table. He reached a hand to his hair, mechanically brushing fringe back from forehead. He didn't understand what was happening. He always had everything under control until she showed up and he lost his self-control. He was afraid she would leave him again. He didn't know how she did it. So maybe the problem was with him? Is it really a problem? He dropped the blanket from his knees as an arrow fell out of the living room. He didn't think rationally, he didn't know what he was doing, and for reasons unknown to him, he was looking for her figure. He scanned the corridors wildly, almost colliding with the Jurgens family butler.
- Master Robert, is something wrong? - the surprised man asked.
- Have you seen Nadia anywhere, Gustav?
- Miss Nadia came out onto the field an hour ago. - the major domus explained. - She had roller skates with her, so I guess she's training.
- Thank you. - he said, heading for the exit.
- Master! Do you want me to prepare breakfast? - Gustav called after the young man.
- Yes, we will eat on the eastern terrace! - he answered hastily and disappeared through the heavy door.
He ran as fast as could. What was happening was the least rational thing in his life. He wanted it to last as long as possible. Indeed, found her on the basketball court. He watched enchanted as the blonde took off, spun around axis and gracefully landed on one of the turquoise inline skates, throwing leg back, almost like in a Montreal competition. She didn't notice him, focused on the next movements, pirouettes and glides, immersed in the music flowing from the headphones. She tied hair high in a long, flowing ponytail. For exercises, she chose clothes that didn't restrict movements. Tight black stretchy pants paired with incredibly short, loose blue shorts, plus a sky blue short top and a black T-shirt draped over it, so loose and cut that he could get a pretty close look at the subtle outlines of the muscles under the ribs. Eventually, she noticed him, twisted and bowed elegantly, causing him to smile wide uncontrollably. She rode closer, her feet slowly moving across the smooth concrete.
- I didn't think you'd come watch me. - she laughed heartily. - If I had known, I would have made a more spectacular arrangement.
- This one was great too. - he replied calmly, then curtled elegantly in front of her. - Would you like to have breakfast with me?
- With joy. - she replied with a smile. - But first I will change into something more appropriate ...
- Then I'll be waiting on the east terrace.
A simple breakfast didn't make much difference to him, but he was clearly wrong. Or it wasn't just an effect of breakfast. They sat side by side, tasting dark bread, French croissants, fragrant butter and a lot of additives, from boiled eggs, through various meats, cheeses, to a whole platter of fresh fruit and vegetables. They also drank his favorite jasmine tea. The sun was charmingly scattering its rays on the tennis court and the beautiful rose garden. As always, she was sparing in words, staring into the distance with a dreamy expression on her face. She changed into something more appropriate, but still sporty - sneakers with thick soles, black, tight pants and a slightly looser, coral top with dropping shoulders, still holding on to two dark rubber bands. He remained in maroon pants and a white shirt. He pulled himself together to finally tell her what he had intended to reveal the night before, but was interrupted by the cheerful greetings of the other three friends. In the company of the girl, he completely forgot about their existence. She was supposed to stay for a few more days, so he hoped he would find another suitable moment. Especially since Oliver glared at him, even more gently than before. Nevertheless, he still remembered the ultimatum.
- I hope you will forgive me, I have to leave you for a while this afternoon. - he said finally seriously.
- Important business? - she asked, taking a sip of her tea.
- Stables overview. - he said. - Usually my father does this. This time he does not have time, he commissioned it to me.
- I didn't know you had horses. - she was surprised. - Will I disturb if I go with you?
- On the contrary. - he replied with a smile.
He hoped they would go together, but the pleading expressions of the other three left him no choice. This one time he could have made an exception for them. The building was not large, but well kept. It was to house twenty horses, ten of them belonging to him and ten eventual visitors. He watched Nadia examine every detail carefully. He remembered that her parents had several as well, she needed to know something about it. As soon as he crossed the threshold, a stable employee ran up to him with a full report. They were walking calmly down the hall and straight to the saddle room when he noticed she wasn' t at his side. He turned around. She was standing by one of the booths, peering through the bars at what she found inside. She looked as if she was seriously considering something.
- How long has she been lying? - she asked, loud enough for his employee to hear.
- Perhaps half a day, Miss. Unfortunately, we don't keep an eye on them all the time. - he replied a bit abashed.
They walked up to her. Instead of standing like the others, the animal actually lay more on the hay, leaning on its front hooves. It made him uneasy.
- It doesn't look good ... - she muttered, opening the door and going inside.
- Miss, it's dangerous! - the ostler warned her.
- Why don't I know anything about it? - Robert asked firmly.
- It's nothing like that, Master, the mare is sitting and that's it. - grunted in response, crouching slightly under the glare of the young man.
- She's sitting because she can't get up. - The girl said, touching the animal's forelimbs. - You probably tried to make her walk, and she barely trailed her legs?
- Yeah...
- Nothing unusual. She must feel excruciating pain. - she replied, turning towards him. - Lungitis does not come overnight.
She was doing it again. She was staring so cold she could freeze, just like her beast. The broad-shouldered worker cringed as if he were dealing with a lot bigger than himself. He watched the girl kneel beside the horse, searching the hay. She had to find something, because she skilfully opened the mare's jaws.
- Robert, we must get the blacksmith to pick up the hooves and the vet as soon as possible. Advanced laminitis and equine roundworms. It doesn't look good. - she said firmly, then turned to the man. - "Oh, she's sitting there"? Why don't the owners know anything about their horse's condition?
Young Jurgens believed she would get things done right. He trusted her surprisingly quickly, felt he should. He had to act quickly to save the animal. He went to the utility room, where he personally ordered the telephone plugged in.
- She was fine the last time I saw her ...
- And it is no coincidence that you wanted to keep your job? - she asked suspiciously, and when he huddled even tighter, she added - Although, in fact, if that were the case, you would have been doing your job conscientiously. How often is the bedding changed?
- Once a week. - he muttered under his breath.
- It's definitely too rare in this state. The hay must be replaced immediately with sand or sawdust. - she ordered, and the man ran to obey as if he was on fire.
The three friends watched in silent surprise. The young Russian woman amazed with her effectiveness. The longer they knew her, the more she looked like the female version of their captain. Jurgens returned a few minutes later, announcing that both the vet and the blacksmith were on their way. It remained to wait. He watched her gently touch the mare, lingering a little longer on the rather bloated belly. She didn't look pleased.
- What happened? - Oliver worried.
- It's very bad ... - she whispered, covering mouth with hand.
He didn't stand it. Went into the booth and knelt beside her. Without a word, she took his hand and placed it in the center of the horse's skin. For a moment he wondered what was going on. Soon after, in addition to the warmth of the coat, he felt a distinct movement and a solid kick. He looked at the girl with fear. It really didn't look good.
- She's in foal ... and it's probably the ending. - she moaned, sitting down heavily in the hay. - Deworming will kill the baby!
They heard buckets of sand falling dully. Robert turned angrily at the terrified groom. He wanted to wring his head for his stupidity, disregarding the orders and health of HIS horses.
- Feel fired. - he said dryly. - And don't count on the responsibility not reaching you.
He put his arm around the girl. Apparently she was wondering what could be done until the vet arrived. Not much, he guessed.
- I think it remains to wait for a decision. - Enrique muttered sadly.
The doctor appeared surprisingly quickly, he entered the stable with the blacksmith. While the horse was being unstuck, Robert discovered all suspicions and symptoms. The man pondered, looked at the animal and examined it as soon as his predecessor had finished his work.
- Miss Nadia is right, the mare's condition is serious. She's weakened, dehydrated ... if she doesn't produce a foal tonight, it'll have to be taken out, but I can't guarantee either of them will survive. - He replied seriously, then turned to the girl. - Where does such a rich knowledge come from in such a young woman?
- My parents also have stables ... we had a similar case.
- And did you ever deliver a child? - he asked with a half-mouth smile.
- No ... but I saw what it looks like. Once. - she replied confused.
- This will be your debut, Miss! I need someone here who knows what and how when I'm getting everything ready for the little one. I have to be prepared for any eventuality, it will take a long time. Besides, the rest of the horses could get infected with parasites, I have to take care of them too ...
She recovered surprisingly quickly from the previous shock of the horse's condition. Before anyone could stop her, she hurried off to pick up the necessary things. In the meantime, their three friends had to say goodbye with regret. Enrique and Johnny took the lead, Oliver asked Robert for a brief interview. He knew what was going on, it was not a comfortable topic, especially at a moment like this. The green-haired man looked intently with his gray eyes directly at him.
- Did you tell her? - Boulanger asked bluntly.
- Not yet. Last time I was interrupted by your coming. - he muttered.
- Hurry up. - Oliver replied. - I won't forgive you if you lose her.
He watched his friend depart. He knew, wouldn't forgive himself. Was already reproaching himself for being sluggish. He returned to the stables. The blonde was running like boiling water. She collected a large number of blankets, several larger buckets. When he entered the stall, the doctor was giving something to the mare and the girl was tucking her tail with a blue wrapper at the same time. The man got up, took off his gloves and walked over to him, walking slowly to the exit.
- It remains to wait ... - he muttered.
- I'll stay with her. - the girl announced.
- You are a tough girl, Miss! - the vet laughed, turning to Robert. - Good choice, Master. Very good.
He mentally agreed that he was right. Had found it a long time ago, but didn't understand it until lost her. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again. For all the stubbornness that attracted him, she could be sweet and gentle, and taught him something new every time. He watched her gently caress the tortured mare on the face. She turned to face him, tossing a pony lightly.
- You're not going back to work?
- I'll stay. They can do without me. - he replied calmly. - You'll need some help.
She smiled as she got up and out of the booth, dragging him with her. She closed the door. She looked at the clock on the wall. It was getting closer to 6:00 PM. She looked around a bit.
- Are you looking for something? - he asked in surprise, not letting go of her warm hand.
- Places where we could sit to see her ...
She looked curiously at the neat tower of perfect hay cubes standing next to the stall. She wrenched her fingers gently from his grasp to jump to the top of the straw building. It swayed slightly under the weight, but eventually stood steadily. He caught her uncertain gaze.
- You probably won't be persuaded?
She didn't have to ask twice. He didn't hesitate, he promised himself to sacrifice everything that was necessary. He climbed up to be next to her. There was complete surprise on her face.
- How long do you think it might take? - he asked, as if nothing had happened.
- Even all night ... we have to stay awake.
- Thank you ... - he muttered, putting his arm around her and hugging her lightly. - If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have noticed.
- Master Jurgens could have missed something? - she laughed. - Good joke!
Before they knew it, it struck 19. There was one downside to the situation - they were skipping dinner, and he was slowly feeling hungry. It turned out, however, that he could count on his people. They heard the crunch of the gate. Gustav was walking toward them, a wicker basket covered with a white napkin. He was truly invaluable!
- I heard that You are staying here overnight, so I have allowed myself to bring dinner. - he replied, setting the package in front of them. - I wish you fruitful expectations.
They thanked him and watched in silence as he walked away. Robert had to seriously consider the size of the raise.
- I didn't expect to ever see you sitting on the hay. - Nadia muttered, looking at him coquettishly. - You surprise me lately, Robert.
- I would love to know how it is possible that you can climb. - he asked, bringing his face a little closer.
- Apparently, as a child I was a terrible rascal! - She laughed pearlly. - It's not for me to judge ... but I remember that when Svietlana chased me all over the property, I was hiding in the stables, among the stacks.
He couldn't imagine her as a rascal, although she must have been a sweet kid. In his mind, his imagination saw blond hair tied in two cute ponytails, similar to the ones he saw when she invited them to her training room. He didn't think anyone could bother them now, so he gathered up once more.
- Nadia ...
Didin't make it. They heard a fierce neigh, and a mass of water poured out of the booth. He didn't even notice when she broke free from his embrace and jumped off the hay.
- Oh gosh! - the girl moaned, stepping on the wet concrete. - I'll take care of her, you contact the vet. It doesn't look good.
He didn't argue, this time she was in charge. He only saw Nadia disappear behind the open box goal. He came back, and she slipped her boots on the wet, straw-covered concrete. When he realized what the girl was doing, he was dumbfounded. She held one of the foal's legs, its head kicking a dozen centimeters away.
- This is not the time to stare! - she pouted. - We have to get him out!
He shook off his lethargy. The thought crossed his mind that he would probably not have had to experience such an adventure himself in his life. He rolled up his sleeves as he approached her and grabbed the other hoof. It wasn't easy, the little boy's hair was covered with mucus. They pulled on her command. At one point they denied so tightly that they landed on the opposite wall of the cubicle, and the little one lay down on the hay. Robert looked at himself. He had never been so dirty, he wasn't even sure if the blood and slimy gunk would come off his flannel shirt in the wash. He felt a weight on his shoulder. She leaned on him, bursting out laughing.
-Congratulations, you've become a godfather! Lovely black stallion, Master Jurgens! - she snorted happily, then added, trying to be serious while trying to get up. - Oh, I think I stuck to you ...
He couldn't help but laugh. It was quite natural for him to put his arm around her. They didn't even notice when their parents and vet showed up. The man immediately ran up to both horses, checking their health.
- My congratulations! - he replied happily. - The little one is a little choked, but he'll get out of it. You can be proud of yourselves!
He caught his parents' completely surprised and a bit disgusted by the general mess. He didn't care as long as she sat next to him.