The Before Short Story Series. Part 1: читать книгу онлайн полностью и бесплатно

‘I live very close from here. Round the corner and that’s it.’

‘Let’s take you home, Bella.’

‘No, Mrs. Mennor, thank you. Dad tells me to drive in other people’s cars.’

‘Your dad is right, of course. Well, you do know me.’

‘No, I’m on my own. Thanks.’

‘Are you sure? Vera and myself are ready to give you a lift home together.’

‘Well, I’ll do it myself. Bye, Vera. See you tomorrow. Goodbye, Mrs. Mennor.’

When she nearly made it home, Bella recalled that Dad had asked her to buy some bread for dinner and stopped by the store. There she took her time walking through different departments, looking at beautiful dresses, shoes and accessories at first, and then, going up to the second floor, where household goods were displayed, she chose a birthday gift for Katerina, which she could ask her mother to buy later. Having decided on the choice of a gift for a friend, Bella again went down to the first floor, where she decided to study cosmetics and perfumes on display.

One of the shop attendants approached the girl:

‘Hello. Can I help you with anything? Where’s your mom?’

‘Hello. I came here for bread.’

‘Ah, I see. So you go to that department over there, darling,’ the attendant pointed to the other side of the store.

‘Yes, thank you. I know.’

‘Well, that’s fine. I’ll buy some bread and go home if everyone is so worried,’ Bella thought.

‘Bella, is it you? Bella Chapska?’ a guy in a grey tracksuit and a cap caught up with her on the street when she was already approaching home.

Bella looked at the guy and walked on.

‘Bella, where are you going? Don’t you recognize me or what? I’m Uncle Chuck. Your dad’s cousin. Dad asked me to meet you and keep an eye on you while he’s busy. Look,’ Uncle handed

Bella a communicator with a video message recorded by dad: Chuck, hi. Could you meet Bella today and look after her for a couple of hours while I’m at work sorting things out. I have to stay a little longer today. Help me out, my friend, would you!».

Bella looked at Uncle Chuck again:

‘I don’t remember you,’ she said uncertainly.

‘Well, you remember your dad,’ Uncle Chuck smiled. Bella nodded in affirmative. ‘Well, that’s great then. Give me your hand and let’s go. We’ll wait for Dad at my place. I live not far from here.’

Uncle Chuck called a capsule to make sure not to miss Dad and in 15 minutes they were already at his house in the living room.

‘I told your dad that we are here and waiting for him. He sent you a big hello.’

Bella was sitting in an armchair and watching cartoons on the wall panel.

‘What do you like better—ice cream or chocolate? Bella?’

‘Mom won’t let me eat ice cream. And Dad says that eating chocolate is bad for my teeth.’

‘Yeah, good. And what do you think yourself?’

‘I love ice cream and chocolate.’

‘I thought so, Bella! I just happen to have a chocolate ice cream! Let’s make a deal like this. I’m going to make two servings of ice cream for you and me, we’re going to eat it together. And then…and then we’ll play with you! Agreed?’ Uncle Chuck smiled and looked at Bella almost like Dad.

‘All right, Uncle Chuck.’