TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Chapter 3

Tom ambled towards the door nonchalantly. "Another one of my sister's silly friends," he thought. He rolled his eyes and opened the door. He stood there dumbfounded. Before him stood probably the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had large almond-shaped hazel eyes, and her face was perfectly symmetrical except for the beauty mark above her left lip. Her hair formed large curls that cascaded down to her chest. He lost his composure, dazzled by her beauty. She then spoke.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Carmen. You must be Joan's brother."

"Exactly, pleased to meet you. Welcome."

Tom extended his arm and invited her inside. He remained flabbergasted for a few seconds, admiring her, before the shrill voice of his sister resounded. Joan embraced her friend and led her to the dining room, where her mother was already present. She introduced them, and then they exchanged a few words before Shannon, Joan's mother, declared:

"We should sit down at the table, the food is getting cold. Carmen, please, have a seat."

They had the appetizer, and then it was time for the roast. Joan received praise from the whole table for the success of her dish. Conversations were lively, and anecdotes about Joan and her brother were flying around.

"I can't believe you did that," Carmen said, shaking her head.

"It was an accident. I was 5 years old," explained Joan.

Laughter erupted once again.

"It wasn't," whispered Tom toward Carmen, pretending to cover his mouth with his hand.

"Enough about Joan, tell us about yourself, Carmen," Shannon suggested.

"What would you like to know?" she asked, feeling confused.

"Which high school do you attend?"

"I'm not really going to high school anymore, to be honest," Carmen admitted, scratching her temple.

"How come?"

"Mom!" groaned Joan between her teeth.

"It's okay, Jo. I'm not really attending classes anymore due to lack of time, unfortunately. I work a lot to make ends meet."

"That's very brave of you," Shannon said, puzzled.

"That's kind of you, but I don't really have a choice."

"It's problematic indeed. A girl your age shouldn't have these kinds of worries," Shannon continued. "Anyway, know that you're always welcome here."

"Thank you very much, Shannon."

Meeting her mother made Carmen understand why Jo was so attentive and loving; she had inherited qualities from her mother. Shannon was a highly educated and cultured woman, easy to talk to. Carmen loved the way Shannon encouraged her children to express themselves and be critical thinkers. They finished the meal with a raspberry-filled cake. Carmen was amazed by Joan's cooking talents and hosting skills. No one had taught Carmen how to entertain or be a guest, to be honest. She had mixed up the appetizer and main course utensils, which had made Tom smile. Once everyone had left the table, Joan insisted on clearing up and found her friend upstairs.

"So this is your room. It's beautiful," Carmen exclaimed.

"Thanks, it's my mom who decorated it."

"She has great taste."

"You should stay over. We could have a little girls' night."

"You're crazy. I don't want to intrude."