First Impressions
Mom, Id like you to meet 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 charming hour for introductionsmidnight in five minutes
I told Cléo it was too late, Élodie protested immediately, but does he ever listen? Hes so stubborn!
Simone thought, bitterly, Well played. Shes making excuses and painting him as a tyrant. Not a very likeable girl.
Come in, then, she sighed, finally retreating to her bedroom without another word.
What could she possibly do? Send her only son out into the night because of a stranger? If they intend to live together, fine. A mothers role is to protect her child and open his eyes, and Simone was determined to do just that. She imagined Clement sending his girlfriend packing without a second thought, perhaps even feeling relieved.
All night long Simone mulled over a scheme to oust Élodie from the flat.
She wasnt against Clements marriageat thirty, it was time for him to start a family.
But not with this girl!
First, she was much younger, a clear sign that she was acting on a whim.
A wife? A mother? A housekeeper?
Then there was her behavior: turning up at an inappropriate hour without even apologizing, and daring to accuse her beloved son without any real cause.
And to top it all, she had spent the night there!
Was this a oneoff or a habit?
In short, Simone simply didnt like her.
So Clement would eventually follow suit.
Why waste time on her?
The plan became superfluous.
Élodie herself gave her every chance to set things straight.
The first signal sounded early in the morning.
She locked herself in the bathroom for an hour.
Clement, helpless, paced the apartment, growing increasingly irritated.
Honey, whats wrong? Simone asked, her tone overly gentle. Your girlfriend is getting ready; she wants to look good for you
But I have to go to work!
Then knock on the door and tell her she isnt alone here, his mother suggested.
That would be awkward, he muttered. Well talk later. And you, Mom, wont be late, will you?
Me? No. Ive been ready for ages. I even made pancakes. Come have breakfast.
I havent even showered!
Never mind, you can do that later. For now, eat quickly; youll need energy for the day.
Clement sat down to eat.
At that moment Élodie emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped over her head, looking radiant.
Finally! Clement exclaimed, rushing to the fogged mirror.
He splashed water on his face, shaved in a hurry, devoured a pancake in three bites, and, already at the doorway, called out:
See you tonight! I hope youll get along.
Clement! Élodie called back. We were supposed to pick up my things today.
Well do it this evening. Dont worry! Her voice echoed down the stairs.
Simone stood, closed 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.
Regardless, remember this: youre not alone here. If you want to monopolize the bathroom for an hour every 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 muttered, heading toward the bathroom.
The first thing that caught her eye was a partially used tube of toothpaste, the old one not yet finished.
Élodie, why did you open a new tube?
I prefer it.
I hope youll bring your own and your shampoo?
Of course, Mrs. Leroux
And your towels!
Ill bring them
Despite Simones attempts to spark a quarrel, Élodie didnt bite. She nodded politely, took note of every future requirement, and kept her composure.
Running out of arguments, Simone launched a direct attack.
Why did you come here?
Clement and I love each other
Of course you love him, youre a boycrazy girl! But I dont get itwhat 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 knew 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 thinks he does. I know him! Hell never marry you! Why would he? Youre already at his feet.
He loves me, Élodie whispered, voice trembling. Im sure of it.
Youre living in a fantasy. You think youre the first?
No but it doesnt matter.
It doesnt matter? Hell get bored with you in a week! Youre not his equal! You know what intelligence is?
Yes. But the word is misused here.
And why is that?
I have a university degree.
So what? Listen, girl, go home. This isnt your place. Ive been trying to make you understand since this morning, but you wont listen.
Fine, Ill leave. But what will you tell Clement? He wont like it.
Thats not my problem! Go away and never come back. Youre not welcome.
Simone was startled by her own harshness; she never imagined she could be so cruel. The acidic words poured out unchecked.
And Élodie?
The young woman watched, fully aware. Her mother was jealous. They had barely met, yet hatred was already bubbling, and this was only the beginning
The front door slammed shut: Clement was returning earlier than expected.
Already? Simone snapped, hoping Élodie would have vanished before his arrival.
They let me go! he shouted, delighted. I said I had a family matter. Hear that, Élo? Family!
What kind of matter? Simone sneered.
Were going to register our union at the town hall, then pick up her stuff! Élo, get ready!
Simone, heart tightening, realized she had lost more than a battleshe might have ruined her chance of ever becoming a grandmother.
