Time for a Change

By Tanya Anina

Taya created her own world with her bare hands. In a foreign country, a mother of two children devoted to her husband. She was fighting for survival, but deep inside she wanted romance, to be looked after, loved and cherished. To feel like a woman! What is a young woman thinking about? What are her dreams? What does she worry about, feels sorry for? What does inspire her? What can she forgive, or forever hold the grudge? As in a maelstrom, she threw herself into a relationship with a man who worshipped her. Overcoming the distance, Taya, like a butterfly flew into the light. She didn't know what destiny had planned for her. Betrayal and disappointment are waiting for Taya every step of the way. What is she going to be left with? What is going to be her decision? What does the future holds for her? Whats most important in her life? Deep inside her she is going to find answers to difficult questions. She is going to prove to the world, that she is happy!! Shes a woman!! This book reveals a woman's heart. After reading this book, every woman will gain understanding of what is going to support and help her in a difficult time and push her towards change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jul 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481769945

Tanya Anina

Tanya Anina was born 1978 in Kiev, and is married with two children. She attended the faculty of Medicine at Kiev Medical Institute Ukrainian Association of Alternative Medicine and work as an aromatherapist. In year 2000 she left the Ukraine to live and continue education in the U.K. Completing her studies in the London Medical School. She nursed in the plastic and reconstructive surgery and radiotherapy departments in prominent U.K. hospitals. In the 2002 she traveled to Ireland and now lives and works there. In 1998 co published in a medical journal “ Pulmonology in Ukraine” . Article is “ Tuberculosis alternative treatment, using a pure essential oils”. In 1998 journal “ Aromatherapy AOK” article is “ Tuberculosis and pure essential oils “.

Book preview

Time for a Change

Tanya Anina

US%26UKLogoB%26Wnew.ai

AuthorHouse™ UK Ltd.

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403 USA

www.authorhouse.co.uk

Phone: [phone]

©

2013 by Tanya Anina. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/08/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-6993-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-6994-5 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

All characters in this book are purely fictional. Any similarities between them and real individuals are purely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me with this book; to all those who provided support, talked things over, read, typed and offered comments.

A special thanks to my translator Anna Shevchenko.

Sincere gratitude to Vivian Roche my editor, for her great help and support.

I’m heartily thankful and fortunate for the constant encouragement, support and guidance from Roger Derham.

I would like to thank April Ross and all the hard working team at AuthoHouse Book Publishing Company for helping me in the process of publishing this book.

Above all I want to thank my family and friends who supported and encouraged me in spite of all the time it took me always from them. Your love, support, fun and kindness means everything to me.

My sincerest thanks to you all!

No matter how cruel fate is to man. No matter how he was abandoned and alone, there is always a heart. Unknown to him, but open to respond to the call, is his own heart

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Chapter 1

I prefer to travel by airplane. It is a place where I feel free and at ease. I can feel how fast I travel between the countries. During the flight, time is passing by, but, it can seem as if time, stops. This is because, during a flight you are out of reach from others. No one can call, text or e-mail you. No one can disturb you. It gives a feeling of lightness. That’s why I love to fly. Flying gives me a sense of ease. I wish everything to be planned as soon as possible. Buy the tickets and go off on a vacation. It is a time of change, joy, surprise and rendezvous. Going off on a vacation is what you dream about. It’s something you long for and it’s time off that you give to yourself. With such thoughts, I am sitting and waiting for takeoff.

The year is 2004. The flight is Dublin to Budapest. For eight years now I have flown home, preferably via Budapest. There are no direct flights from Ireland to Kiev and there never have been. I have to use flight transfers. A pessimistic person may find this a task. However, an active person, such as myself, it is a welcome opportunity. It extends travel time but it also gives time to enjoy duty-free shops, new collections in boutiques, to buy souvenirs and taste delicious coffee with croissants. I have time to simply people watch at my leisure.

My son is sitting on my knee. Today, he is one and a half years old. His name is Henry. It was his first time on the plane and his huge eyes looked with interest all around him. I really hoped he would sleep on the flight, even for a short time. But just in case he doesn’t, I have stocked up with toys and other play things that boy his age requires.

Finally, we are in the air. Henry, having tossed and turned on my lap was now asleep. So, I began to reflect on my recent past. Its two and a half years since I was at home in Kiev.

My hometown is Kiev. I love Kiev and I am proud to say Kiev, mother of Russian cities A man who visited the city will always remember it’s architecture, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, the slopes of the Dnieper River, dotted with churches, theaters and many other things. The city, which I left when I was twenty years old, is where I happily return to again and again. In Kiev, my mom and sister live, along with our grandmother, friends and of course my dear parents-in-law. I have lived abroad for seven years now. The first three years I had lived in London and then by a twist of fate I found myself in Ireland. I have been living for the last four years now in the Emerald Isle. But my life abroad is another story.

So, with my head full of memories, such as these, I focused on my future during this smooth flight. Focusing to the future, to whatever will happen and of course, to my dreams.

I reflected on how fast the past two and a half hours have passed. This first flight was coming to an end. During the landing Henry woke up and eagerly has been drinking from his bottle. He had slept well and was now smiling from ear to ear. Finishing his bottle, he began to look around. Thankfully the time passed quickly in the stop-over in Budapest. We had to get another plane then from Budapest to Kiev. This is another two hours flying. It is night when we land in Kiev. Customs was quick and nice. In the half-empty waiting room my mum and my sister, Anya, are waiting and worrying. Anya is holding a huge bouquet of cream-colored roses.

Henry was sitting on top of suitcases. He is a little shocked by all the changes in the last few hours.

He looks just like Taya, but a boy version! my mother greeted me happily.

Henry, Henry, you’re so cool Anya said as she tried to cuddle him.

My sister`s name is Anya and she is twenty two years old. She hasn`t got her own children yet and Henry is the one and only adored nephew.

We all wept with joy and then rushed to pack the car and start the half hour journey home. Our vacation has begun.

My family will help me to take care of Henry. They have gotten for him a vintage bed. Interestingly, many of the family generation had used this bed too. One of them was Lesha, my sister’s husband. The bed was waiting for Henry. But the bed will have to wait for us, as Mary and Pasha, my parents-in-law are waiting for us at their home. As they say, people of the old school have a distinctive and a different outlook on life. God forbid that you do not agree with their views. Then you will get a one hour lecture, with thousands of examples, with a notation at the end and with a migraine for a week. Considering themselves right in all aspects, they never accept common sense or a different point of view. Well, they want to sort out everything and teach everybody. They are over eighty years old and I`m trying to be more lenient towards them. I am their daughter-in-law for ten years.

As soon as we entered the apartment, my parents-in-law happily greeted us and looked at Henry. It didn’t matter that it is 1 a.m. They have started to ask about Ireland and the Irish people, not about my son. A few minutes later their old curious minds totally blew up and they started to discuss political and religious conflicts between Great Britain and Ireland that was 20 years ago. They thought that if I just arrived from that place, then by all means, it is urgent to discuss this topic. My patience was at an end. Mum and I looked at each other a few times, trying to find a way out. Poor Henry had fallen asleep in my arms. I had to use my son, as an excuse to politely tell my parents-in-law that we needed to rest after travelling and have a cup of tea then go to sleep. We were exhausted. Finally, after another 10 minutes talking, they left. We live beside them, in the same building, just on a different floor. We had some light food with tea and fell into bed, exhausted.

It is so cool to wake up in the morning and see the sun. No more Irish clouds and rain. The Irish wet weather rules and dominates your daily routine. But here in Kiev we have a bright June sun. The beginning of summer and our holiday, there are still two months of good weather and a real rest. What could be better?

In the morning, having slept well, I feel like I’ve been born again. I’m not even burdened by my situation, I am six months pregnant. This situation was also interesting because my parents-in-law don’t know about this yet. Of course, we were giving them hints that we wanted a second child. They were not supportive and only offered opposition and criticism. We understood and respected their opinion but this is a decision of two people and we decided we wanted another child. They had their reservations as to the reasons why we shouldn’t have our second child at this time.

First of all they couldn`t imagine how it is possible that there would be a small difference in age between both children. But, we feel, this way, the first child will be getting a bit more independent and then you will have more time to take care of the second child. This small age gap is the exact difference between their own children.

Secondly, they question, how is it possible as you live without family support in another country? They continue to point out to me that I have to think about giving birth to my children outside my native country. They worry about who will take care of these children there if anything happens to me? Who will feed them? And so on and on they were commenting on this situation.

Soon this second baby will arrive and our family will be complete. So, I am not paying attention to their old fashioned delusion. Of course inside me there was a storm of protest brewing. They can’t actually understand our foreign way of life.

My husband’s name is Tim. He is thirty-two years old. He has a University Education. He has two qualifications, one in Technical Studies and the other one in Medicine. He’s a Doctor practicing Chiropody. He is very skilled and his client base grows every year. Therefore, this entire parent nonsense we have between us is called Marcor. We accept it but we didn`t pay any attention to it.

I work as an interpreter. I have too much work, because there are lots of foreigners and refugees in Ireland. We rent a standard two-storey house and also we have two cars. For many years we are financially independent and take care of ourselves without any outside help.

This beautiful sunny morning, I had to meet with my parents-in-law and spend time with them.

If they notice my expanding tummy, I shall be ready for their attack. Henry and I were left on our own, my sister had already gone on business and my mother went to work early. After finishing our breakfast we went to the children`s playground. After a walk we returned home. Surprise! Mary was at our place, she had keys. So it begins. She always spoke softly through her teeth, chanting like a snake hissing, without emotions, instructive, forcing the listener to listen and not to interrupt.

She starts You were outside and maybe your child felt hot, acclimatization, we should take him to a doctor and he can give him an allergy vaccine! Pasha and I heard on the radio that everyone is recommended to take an allergy vaccine. Here we have a strong bloom, a lot of pollen, he could start to cough and choke. You cannot be so irresponsible to the boy!!!

My mother in law can’t stand to say my son’s name Henry. Even a couple of months ago, when he was issued an Irish passport, she wrote us letters, begging to come round and give my Boy a different name. Since then she called him the Boy. I could only hope for enlightenment in her aged brain. Suddenly she remembered that yesterday she and Pasha haven’t asked and learned enough about Ireland. Expecting me to have some time for tea with them and talk about Ireland’s history.

Well, I thought if all this goes on, the vacation is going to be hell! Something needs to be done!

After lunch my darling sister has come home. We missed each other so much. There was a feeling that we have not seen each other, not just for the past two and a half years but for an eternity. From our childhood we were as close as lips and teeth. We have five years age difference between us. But we, as a thread with a needle, were always together. Anya for all my life was and is the closest person. So many secrets were told and retold, so much discussed, that often even my mother did not know the half of what we knew about each other.

I brought her a lot of gifts and was expecting her all day. I gave her some food and we began to chat about everything. She was trying on clothes and we chatted excitedly about all the news. Finally, I was happy.

A few days passed in settling in. I had to have tea with my neighbors and my parents-in-law, to fulfill duty to the ancestors. My expanding tummy still wasn’t noticed and I didn`t focus any attention on my pregnancy.

Everything went on as usual. Henry enjoyed the attention from my mum and step-father. They began a sincere and wonderful relationship. I brought him to my mother. He stayed there for the whole day and sometimes a couple of days. They did not want him to leave. He was at this age of being very amusing and intelligent. And my parents were crazy about him.

Tim regularly called us and asked about our health and our holiday. He was like a buffer between me and my parents-in-law. My husband was very busy at work and had lots of things to do. We were talking for an hour. I adored my husband. I was waiting patiently for our second child and was happy.

Anya, is a stylist, makeup artist and hairdresser. You can`t argue with her, Anya always knows what exactly suits you. She knows how to dress and what a woman has to do to be an individual, special and unique. She is so talented, everyone knows that and I gladly gave myself into her hands to arrange my hair and make-up.

I look good at my twenty-seven years old. Either, I was very lucky and I have good genes, or the right way of life. I look at least five years younger. There was a lot of evidence to support this, such as, I’m often wasn`t allowed in nightclubs in Ireland without my ID. When I went to buy alcohol or cigarettes at the supermarket again my ID was requested as I looked too young to purchase it. This made me crazy, especially when I didn`t have my documents with me. But my husband tried to calm me down take it as a compliment, many dream about such youthful looks! he would tell me.

I accepted this and took it as a compliment as my teenage years were long gone.

I am of average height and athletic build. As they say, there is not a single extra gram on me. In childhood, I went in for sports, swimming and athletics. Now I train at the gym and exercise with Yoga. That`s why I don`t complain about my health and shape. My hair is shoulder-length, dark brown color, blue-grey eyes; lips have correct shape, dimples on my cheeks, oval face. I have no complaints about my appearance. Anya attempted the task, of course in a room without mirrors for me to see it in stages. She has done my hair up in a French style and dyed my hair in light chestnut color. When I saw the reflection of myself, a very interesting and unusual woman looks back at me. It was a new me. I never have had brown hair before. From the age of sixteen, I have been blond. But I enjoyed myself and this is the most important thing.

The summer was hot. Three weeks of our holiday has passed already. During this time I was meeting with friends and acquaintances. Several times, I visited my grandmother; she is eighty-four years old. My Grandmother keeps a stiff upper lip in spite of her illness. She met Henry for the first time and also remarked on how he looks so like me. My pregnancy has rounded and become visible. My grandmother is very happy and was all emotional with my good news. Henry will soon have a brother or sister. I was really hoping that it would be a girl. I dreamed about a daughter for many years. I have a feeling that this is not a boy, but a little girl. I love being pregnant. In this condition, a woman feels her destiny.

One morning, Henry and I decided to visit Mary and Pasha my parents-in-law. We were relaxing together and chatting, when suddenly they said, Taya, have you gained some weight in Kiev? Is it because you eat better and have more rest here?

Yes, yes agreed my father-in-law you became prettier and have gained weight that’s for sure!

And here, like a thunder from the sky, I sit and I realize, it`s now or never. I took a deep breath and with all my courage and strength I say:

Yes, I’ve gained weight because I’m seven months pregnant.

Silence fell in the room. They were digesting it for a minute. And then, they opened their mouths, with a series of lectures in their heads. Not giving them a chance to reply, Henry and I moved quickly to put our shoes on in the hallway. I was telling Henry that we were leaving and asking him to say goodbye. He waved to them with a happy smile.

Thank God, I thought, it has passed. Right now they will chew it over, discuss it together and boil it over, complaining about their lives. I can meet them in a couple of days to continue the conversation.

Poor Tim, he will call them and will take all the blows onto himself. After all, they are his parents and they adore him and I think he will be able to calm them down.

What do you mean, you are pregnant? spat my father-in-law from the doorstep. What were you thinking about when you were making this child? he retorted do you realize that abortion is already too late!

I briefly thought that all this week, he was suffering from a migraine and the heat. As this is what was reported by my mother in law. They were about to call an ambulance for him! But now, he feels great and has no headache and is ready for a confrontation.

Dad I tried to answer as calmly as I possibly could. Come in, sit down. Will you have some tea? Yes, I am pregnant and we are happy. We planned this baby. Everything will be ok. Why do they blow up and make a negative atmosphere? They are taking unnecessary stress over this, which is not good at their advanced age or for me in my condition. I tried to calm him down.

He continued What do you mean? You both planned this second child? We didn`t allow you!

Mam, Dad, we are adults. And we have a different opinion to you I answered. They continued with their battle against this what different opinion can you have? So you are not interested in our opinion?

I mustered my courage and simply answered No, we are not interested.

At this very moment the two of them turned silent and defiantly left. In doing this they were showing that they object to everything that was going on.

Ugh I gasp. But this rejection hurt me deep down. Why should they be so stubborn, two old donkeys. It is a pity that while I’m pregnant I can’t drink. A few drops of brandy in my tea would help me a lot now. I have to drink tea now without brandy.

Henry felt that something has happened to me. He gets onto my lap and begins to hug and babble something Mama, mama in his baby language. I calm down and think, they can say what they like, but children are the only real happiness in the world. Especially when they are small and sweet and so carefree. It is worth giving birth to them and to love them.

For a couple of days the weather was cool and then the hot sun reappears and strokes with new strength. My mother took a vacation and went with Henry to her friends to the country for three weeks. I now had absolutely nothing to do. I was lying around, reading and watching TV. On one such evening, Anya came to me. After chatting for a while about our plans we decided to go to the Crimea for vacation, for two weeks. Of course, it was a spontaneous decision and my growing pregnancy did not encourage me. But Crimea is much better than Kiev. It is easier to stand the heat near the seaside. My sister is the best company I could ever wish for. Henry will be in the country for three weeks in total. So, there are no obstacles to our travel plans. We agree that any surprises or stress are not good for me now. I will give birth only in Ireland, but in the meantime, we will relax and swim together in Crimea.

We go to Crimea with only two small suitcases. We managed to drop into a boutique and buy two gorgeous wide-brimmed hats. Our trip was planned to last for two weeks. Where to go? We have not fully decided, we will think about it on the train. When Anya and I are together, we do not care where we are or where we are going. The fact that we are together, makes us the happiest people in the world.

Of course I told my parents-in-law about my departure for two weeks to the Crimea. I thought it is my duty to inform them. They were still in disagreement, and they were even more outraged by my crazy decision to go to the Crimea now that I am seven months pregnant. I phoned them to tell them and used the excuse that my mobile was ringing so I could end the conversation quickly with them.

Tim supported me. He hoped that while I am at seaside, his parents bad mood will pass. Since I am feeling well and healthy in my pregnancy, no one had any worries about this trip.

Chapter 2

I t was early morning Crimean Station was blazing, taxi drivers were offering their services, porters were carting luggage, just like in a classic movie. We went on the side and began to think, what to do, where to go? We saw two women in their fifties, standing ten feet away and waiting for something or someone. A taxi driver came up to us and we told him to bring us to Koktebel.

The women, who were standing nearby, heard us and came to us and began to bargain with the taxi driver. He agreed and we all went to Koktebel.

In the car we became acquainted with these women. They are from Kiev and even from our area. One was called Alice and the other Sonia. They were friends. Alice