First Impressions
Mom, this is Leonor, Rodrigo said, his cheeks tinged pink as he ushered the girl into the house late at night.
Good evening, Fernanda replied, her gaze fixed on the unexpected visitor with evident displeasure. What a splendid hour for introductions! Theres still half an hour to midnight
I told Rodrigo it was already late, the girl retorted instantly. Does he even listen? So stubborn!
Smart move, Fernanda thought. She blamed him and excused herself. What an unpleasant girl.
Come in, then, the mother invited, adding nothing else, and slipped down the hallway toward the bedroom.
What else could she do? She wouldnt throw her only son out of the house in the middle of the night, especially over a stranger! If they wanted to live together, let them. A mothers role is to protect her child and open his eyes. Fernanda would do that quickly. Rodrigo would soon send Leonor packing without remorse, perhaps even feeling relieved to be rid of her.
The whole night passed in restless planning, devising a way to evict the intruder.
It wasnt about Rodrigos marriage. He was already thirty, more than ready for a life with someone else.
But not with her!
First, she was clearly youngera sign of inexperience and instability.
What sort of wife, mother, or housewife could that be?
Second, her character spoke loudly: she showed up at someone elses home at night without even apologizing! Worse, she blamed her son for nothing
And she still stayed the night!
Was this her first time, or was it a habit?
Third, Fernanda simply didnt like her.
Soon Rodrigo would stop liking her too.
Why waste time?
In the end, the plan wasnt needed at all.
Leonor gave Fernanda more than enough reason to set the house straight.
The first warning came in the morning.
Leonor entered the bathroom and didnt emerge for almost an hour.
Rodrigo paced back and forth, impotent and simmering with irritation.
Son, whats wrong? Fernanda asked, overly sweetly. The girl is getting ready, she wants to please you
But I have to work!
Knock on the door and explain youre not alone in the apartment, the mother suggested.
No way, he muttered. Well talk later. And you, Mom, wont be late, will you?
Me? No. Im already dressed. I made some cheese pastries. Come have breakfast.
I havent even showered yet!
Thats fine, you can wash later. Now make the most of the time you have and eat well. Youve got the whole day ahead.
Rodrigo sat at the table.
Just then Leonor emerged from the shower, a towel twisted around her hair, looking radiant.
Finally! Rodrigo exclaimed, throwing himself at the fogged mirror. He washed quickly, shaved in a hurry, swallowed the smallest pastry, and, as he left, shouted:
See you tonight! I hope you get along.
Rodrigo! Leonor called. We were supposed to pick up my things today, remember?
Well go tonight. Dont be upset! a voice already echoed from the building.
Fernanda stood, went to the entrance, shut the door behind her son, turned to Leonor, and asked bluntly:
Arent you ashamed?
No, the girl smiled. Should I be?
Rodrigo will be late because of you!
He wont. Hell probably grab a taxi. Dont worry, everything will be fine.
Anyway, remember: youre not alone here. If you want a morning shower, get up earlier. Good thing Im not working today.
I wont do that again, Leonor replied simply. Im sorry.
Fernanda was mildly stunned. She expected an argument. But this
Fine, she muttered, heading to the bathroom.
The first thing she saw was a new toothpaste tube, opened, though some of the old one remained.
Leonor, why did you open a new tube?
I prefer this one
I expect youll bring your own toothpaste, and your shampoo too!
Of course, Mrs. Fernanda
And towels!
Ill bring them
No matter how much Fernanda tried to provoke a fight, Leonor gave no opening. She agreed with everything, nodding obediently, taking note of her future duties.
Tired of inventing excuses, Fernanda got straight to the point.
What are you doing here?
Rodrigo and I love each other
Of course you love a guy like him! I just dont get one thing: what does he see in you?
Ive never asked him
Who are your parents?
My mother is a seamstress at a factory.
And your father?
I never met him.
I see. Raised without a father. And how do you think youll be a good wife for my son?
Ill try
Try, not try, nothing will work with you, girl. My son doesnt love you. He thinks he does! I know him better! Youll never marry him! Why? Youve already given yourself everything.
He loves me, Leonors voice trembled. Im sure.
Youre wrong. Do you think youre the first?
I dont think so but it doesnt matter
Doesnt matter? In a week youll be sick of you! Youre not even in the same league! Intellect! Ever heard that word?
I have. It just doesnt fit here.
Why?
I have a university degree.
And then? Look, girl, youd better go home. This isnt your place. I spent the morning trying to explain, and you dont understand.
Fine, Ill leave. But what will you tell Rodrigo? He wont like it.
Thats none of your business! Go and dont come back. Youre not welcome.
Fernanda spoke, amazed at herself: what had taken hold of her? Shed never said anyone half of what she threw at Leonor. The bitter words spilled like poison.
And Leonor?
The girl stared at Fernanda and understood everything.
The mother was jealous of her son! Theyd known each other less than a day, and already Yet, as the sun set over Lisbon, Fernanda felt, for the first time, the weight of silence in an apartment where a grandchilds laughter would never echo.
