First Impressions
Mom, this is Élodie, Clement said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice as he introduced the young woman he had just brought home at such a late hour.
Good evening, Simone replied, casting a displeased glance at the unexpected guest. What a delightful hour for introductionsmidnight is only five minutes away…
I told Cléo it was already too late, Élodie protested immediately, but does he ever listen? Hes so stubborn!
Simone thought, *Well done.* *Shes making excuses while painting him as a tyrant. She doesnt seem very likable.*
Come in, she sighed, then retreated to her bedroom without another word.
What else could she do? Throw her only son out on a night like this because of a stranger? If they intend to live together, fine. A mothers role is to protect her child and open his eyes. Simone would handle that quickly. Clement would send his girlfriend packing without regrethed even feel relieved.
All night long Simone mulled over a scheme to evict Élodie from the flat.
She wasnt against Clements marriage; at thirty he should start a family.
But not with this girl!
First, she was far youngerproof that she was being swept away by foolishness.
A wife? A mother? A housekeeper?
Second, her behavior spoke volumes: turning up at an inappropriate hour without even apologizing, and daring to accuse her beloved son for no reason.
And on top of that, she had spent the night there! Was this a oneoff or a habit?
In short, Simone simply didnt like her.
Thus Clement would eventually do the same. Whats the point of wasting time on her? The plan became pointless. Élodie gave him every chance to set things straight herself.
The first warning sounded the very next morning.
She locked herself in the bathroom for an entire hour.
Clement, helpless, paced the apartment, growing increasingly angry.
Darling, whats wrong? Simone asked, feigning exaggerated sweetness. Shes getting ready; she wants to impress you
But I have to go to work!
Then knock on the door, tell her youre not alone here, his mother suggested.
That would be awkward, he muttered. Well talk about it later. And you, Mom, wont be late?
Me? No. Ive been ready for ages. I even made crepes. Come have breakfast.
I havent even washed yet!
Never mind, you can do it later. In the meantime, eat something solid; youll need energy for the day.
Clement sat down to eat.
Just then Élodie emerged from the bathroom, a towel perched on her head, looking radiant.
Finally! Clement exclaimed, rushing to the fogged mirror.
He splashed water on his face, shaved in a hurry, gulped a crepe in three bites, and, already at the door, called out:
See you tonight! I hope youll get along.
Clement! Élodie called back. Were supposed to pick up my things today.
Well do it tonight. Dont get bored! Her voice already echoed up the stairs.
Simone stood, shut the door behind her son, turned to Élodie and asked bluntly:
Arent you ashamed?
No, the young woman replied with a smile. Should I be?
Clement will be late because of you!
He wont. Hell probably take a taxi. Dont worry, everything will be fine.
Anyway, remember this: youre not alone here. If you want to hog the bathroom for an hour each morning, get up earlier. Luckily Im not working today.
It wont happen again, Élodie said simply. Sorry.
Simone was left speechless. She had expected a fight, and instead
Fine, she grumbled, heading toward the bathroom.
The first thing that caught her eye was a halfused tube of toothpaste, the old one not yet finished.
Élodie, why did you open a new toothpaste?
I prefer it.
I hope youll bring your own and your shampoo?
Of course, Madame Leroux
And your towels!
Ill bring them
Despite Simones attempts to spark an argument, Élodie took no bait. She nodded politely, noted every future demand.
Running out of retorts, Simone launched a direct attack.
Why are you here?
Clement and I love each other
Of course you love him, hes a nice guy! But I dont understandwhat does he see in you?
I never asked him.
And your parents?
My mother works in garment making, a seamstress.
And your father?
I never met him.
I see. A child without a father. How do you intend to become a good wife for my son?
Ill do my best
You can try all you want, it wont work. My son doesnt love you; he only believes he does. I know him! Hell never marry you. Why would he? Youre already beneath him.
He loves me, Élodie whispered, voice trembling. Im sure of it.
Youre living in a fantasy. Do you think youre his first?
No but it doesnt matter
It doesnt matter? Hell tire of you in a week! Youre not his equal! You know what intelligence is?
Yes. But the term is misused here.
Why?
I have a university degree.
So what? Listen, girl, go home. This isnt your place. Ive been trying to make you see that since this morning, but you wont listen.
Alright, Ill leave. But what will you tell Clement? He wont be happy.
Thats not my problem! Go away and dont come back. Youre not welcome.
Simone was surprised by her own harshness; she never imagined she could speak so cruelly. Bitter words spilled unchecked.
And Élodie? She watched, fully understanding. Her mother was jealous. They barely knew each other, yet hatred was already simmering, and this was only the beginning.
The front door slammed; Clement was home earlier than expected.
Already? Simone snapped, hoping Élodie would have vanished before his return.
They let me go! he shouted cheerfully. I said I had a family matter. Hear that, Élo? Family!
What kind of matter? Simone growled.
Were going to register our marriage at city hall, then collect his things! Élo, get ready!
Simone, heart tightening, realized she had lost more than a battleshe might have ruined her chance to become a grandmother forever.
