First Impressions
Mom, I’d 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 this late hour.
Good evening, Simone replied, giving the unexpected guest a displeased glance. What a delightful time for introductionsmidnight is only five minutes away
I told Cléo it was too late, Élodie protested immediately, but does he ever listen? Hes such a stubborn one!
Simone thought, bitterly, Well played. Shes making excuses and painting him as a tyrant. Not a very likable girl.
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 want 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 back where she came from without regret, perhaps even feeling relieved.
All through the night Simone mulled over a scheme to evict Élodie from the flat.
She wasnt opposed to Clements marriageat thirty he should start a family.
But not with this girl!
First, she was much younger, proof that she was being swept away by a fleeting romance.
A wife? A mother? A householder?
Then her behavior spoke for itself: showing up at an inappropriate hour without even apologising! On top of that, she had the audacity to accuse her beloved son without any real reason
And she had spent the night!
Was that a first for her, or a habit?
In short, Simone simply didnt like her.
Thus Clement would eventually feel the same.
Why waste time on her?
The plan became unnecessary.
Élodie herself gave Clement every chance to set things straight.
The first hint came early that morning.
She locked herself in the bathroom for an hour.
Clement, helpless, paced the apartment, growing increasingly angry.
My dear, whats wrong? Simone asked, her tone overly sweet. The young woman is 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, suggested her mother.
That would be awkward, he muttered. Well discuss it later. And you, Mom, wont be late?
Me? No. Ive been ready for ages. I even made crêpes. Come have breakfast.
I havent even showered!
Never mind, you can do it later. For now, eat quickly; youll need energy for the day.
Clement sat down to eat.
Just then Élodie emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her head, looking radiant.
Finally! Clement exclaimed, rushing to the fogged mirror.
He splashed water on his face, shaved hastily, devoured a crêpe in three bites, and, already at the doorway, called out:
See you tonight! I hope youll get along well.
Clement! Élodie reminded him. We were supposed to pick up my things today.
Well go this evening. Dont get bored! Her voice already echoed up the stairs.
Simone stood, closed the door behind her son, turned to Élodie and asked sharply:
Arent you ashamed?
Not at all, 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 monopolise 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 instead
Fine, alright, she muttered, 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 tube?
I prefer it.
I hope youll bring yours? And your shampoo?
Of course, Mrs. Leroux
And your towels!
Ill bring those too
Despite Simones attempts to provoke a quarrel, Élodie didnt bite. She agreed to everything, nodded politely, and took note of the future expectations placed on her.
Running out of arguments, Simone went for a direct assault.
Why are you here?
Clement and I love each other
Of course you love him, hes a good catch! But I dont understand: what 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 girl without a father. How do you intend to be a good wife for my son?
Ill do my best
No matter how hard you try, 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 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
Doesnt matter? Hell tire of you in a week! Youre not his equal! You know what intelligence is?
Yes. But the word is misused here.
And why?
I have a university degree.
So what? Listen, dear, go home. This isnt your place. Ive been trying to make you see that since this morning, but you wont listen.
Fine, 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 shocked by her own cruelty. She never imagined she could say such things; the sharp words poured out unchecked.
And Élodie?
The young woman stared back, 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 leave! he exclaimed, cheerful. I said I had a family matter. Hear that, Élo? A family matter!
What matter? Simone growled.
Well register our marriage at the town hall, then collect his stuff! Élo, get ready!
Simone, heart heavy, realised she had lost more than a battleshe might have ruined her chance ever to be a grandmother.
