The Dark Society

21

 Jim and Caroline wondered about the girl who'd captivated their son. However, his father often appeared uneasy despite his mother's enthusiasm.

"How are you?" Jim asked as Luis arrived.

He looked drained as he placed a bag on the floor.

"I'm fine, all things considered."

His mother embraced him.

"Welcome home; we missed you."

Luis chuckled and leaned into her arms.

"You act like I've been gone for weeks. What's going on?"

Jim approached.

"You know your mother; she wants to hear about everything."

Luis shrugged, but when there was good news, his mother worried more than anyone. Now, Caroline was reluctant to ask questions, so Jim stepped in and took her hand.

"Are you all right?"

She leaned against his shoulder.

"All things considered, I'm trying to stay positive."

He held her close and smiled.

"That's what Luis needs to see right now."

Caroline reached for a bottle of red wine.

"I'll see what I can do."

Luis treasured these moments with his parents, and they seemed pleased to have him home. Yet, under the circumstances, such unexpected reunions became frequent.

"What's this?" he asked.

Caroline laughed and opened the bottle.

"We figured since you're an adult, it's time we treated you like one."

Luis glanced at his father.

"I suppose you were in on this?"

Jim winked and took a sip.

"Tell us about this young lady," his mother said, settling into a chair.

After a deep breath, Luis sat down.

"Her name's Sabrina."

"I expect you have a class or two together?" Jim asked.

Luis met his father's gaze.

"She isn't studying law."

His mother raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? What's her major?"

Luis looked at his mother.

"Marketing."

"I hope she's a nice girl," Jim said.

"That's the thing; we still haven't met."

His parents looked confused.

"How can you like a girl you haven't met?" his mother asked.

Luis's thoughts grew tangled, but expressions conveyed what words couldn't.

"She's not like other girls."

Jim studied his son's fervent attitude. Recognizing a similar reaction from when Luis first met Karen.

"What do you plan to do?" Caroline asked.

Luis shook his head.

"I don't know, but with the winter carnival coming up, it's the perfect setting for a meeting."

His parents looked intrigued because he hadn't mentioned Karen. With this in mind, his mother hoped he wasn't using Sabrina to fill the void she'd left behind.

"I know Karen's controversial, but Sabrina's different, and that's what I need right now."

This was the moment his parents had anticipated. The approach, choice of words, and new demeanor were signs of maturity.

His mother grinned.

"We want the best for you, but as much as we'd like to guide you, we can't."

Luis looked puzzled.

"Why not? I need to hear what you think."

Caroline hesitated.

"You still need to figure some things out for yourself."

Luis slumped back with an unchanged expression. Recognizing the tension with Karen needed resolution. Meanwhile, Jim advised him to avoid her because of the resentment toward Jessica. However, Luis seemed determined to pursue Sabrina.

"I know exactly where to start," Luis agreed.

Caroline caressed his hand.

"I'm sure you do, but Karen won't be so willing to let go."

Luis groaned.

"That's what I'm afraid of."