First Impressions
Mom, this is Élodie,Clément said, a little embarrassed 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 time for introductionsmidnight is only five minutes away
I told Cléo it was too late,Élodie immediately defended herself,but does he ever listen?Hes so stubborn!
Nice move, Simone thought, bitterly. Shes making excuses and painting him as a tyrant. Not a very likable girl.
Come in,she sighed, then withdrew to her bedroom without another word.
What else could she do? Throw her only son out on a nighttime doorstep because of some stranger? If they want to live together, fine. A mothers job is to protect her child and open his eyes, and Simone would do that quickly. Shed send her boyfriends girlfriend packing without a second thought, even feel relieved about it.
All night long Simone mulled over a scheme to evict Élodie from the flat.
No, she wasnt against Cléments marriage. At thirty he should be starting a family.
Just not with this girl!
First, she was much youngerproof, Simone thought, that the wind was blowing through her head. A wife, a mother, a housekeeper?
Second, her behavior spoke volumes: turning up at an inappropriate hour without even apologising! And she had even dared to accuse her beloved son without any basis
And on top of that she had spent the night! Was that a first for her, or a habit?
In short, Simone simply didnt like her.
So Clément would eventually feel the same. Why waste time on her? The plan became pointless. Élodie herself kept giving Clément every chance to set things straight.
The first alarm rang at dawn.
She locked herself in the bathroom for an hour.
Clément, helpless, paced the apartment, growing increasingly angry.
Darling, whats wrong?Simone asked with exaggerated sweetness. The young lady is getting ready; she wants to please you
I have to go to work!
Then knock on the door, tell her youre not alone here,her mother suggested.
Thatd be awkward,he muttered.Well talk later. And you, Mom, wont be late?
Me?No. Ive been ready for ages. Look, I made crepes. Come have breakfast.
I havent even showered!
Too bad, youll do it later. In the meantime, dont waste timeeat well, youll need energy for the day.
Clément sat down to eat.
At that moment Élodie emerged from the bathroom, a towel over her hair, looking radiant.
Finally!Clément exclaimed, rushing to the fogged mirror.
He splashed water on his face, shaved in a hurry, devoured a crepe in three bites and, already at the door, called out:
See you tonight! I hope you get along.
Clément!Élodie reminded him.We were supposed to collect my things today.
Well do it tonight. Dont get bored!Her voice echoed down 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?
Clément will be late because of you!
He wont. Hell probably take a taxi. Dont worry, everything will be fine.
Whatever happens, 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.Im sorry.
Simone was left speechless. She had expected a fight and got
Fine,she grumbled, heading toward the bathroom.
The first thing that caught her eye was a halfused tube of toothpaste, the old one not finished.
Élodie, why did you open a new tube?
I prefer it.
I hope youll bring your own and your shampoo?
Of course, MadameLeroux
And your towels!
Ill bring them
Despite Simones attempts to stir up a quarrel, Élodie didnt bite. She nodded politely, took note of every future demand.
Running out of arguments, Simone launched a direct attack.
Why are you here?
Clément and I love each other
Of course you love him, hes a nice guy! But I dont get itwhat does he see in you?
I never asked him
And your parents?
My mother works in clothing manufacture, a seamstress.
And your father?
I never knew him.
I see. A child without a father. How do you plan to be a good wife for my son?
Ill do my best
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. You think youre the first?
No but it doesnt matter
Doesnt matter? Hell tire of you in a week! Youre not his equal! Do you know what intelligence is?
Yes. But the word is misused here.
And why is that?
I have a university degree.
So? 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 Clément? He wont be happy.
Thats not your problem! Go away and never come back. Youre not welcome.
Simone was shocked by her own harshness. She never imagined she could speak so cruelly; the bitter words poured out unchecked.
And Élodie?
The young woman stared at her, fully understanding. Her mother was jealous. They had barely met, yet hatred was already bubbling, and this was only the beginning
The front door slammed: Clément was home earlier than expected.
Already?Simone snapped, hoping Élodie would be gone before his return.
They let me leave!he shouted, happy.I said I had a family matter. You hear that, Élo? A family matter!
What kind of matter?Simone growled.
Were going to register our union at the town hall, then collect your things!Élo, get ready!
Simone, heart sinking, realised she had lost more than a battleshe might have destroyed her chance ever to become a grandmother.
