The Dark Society

21

Jim and Caroline both wondered about the girl who had captivated their son. However, his father often appeared uneasy despite his mother's evident 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," she whispered. "We missed you."

Luis chuckled and leaned into her arms.

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

"You know your mother," his father said. "She's anxious to hear about everything."

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

"You all right?"

She leaned against his shoulder.

"All things considered," she echoed, "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 were equally pleased to have him home. However, under the circumstances, unexpected family reunions had become frequent.

"What's this?" he asked.

Caroline laughed and opened the bottle.

"We figured that 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 her 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?" Caroline asked. "What's her major?"

Luis looked at his mother.

"Marketing."

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

"That's the thing," Luis continued. "We still haven't met."

They both looked confused.

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

Luis's thoughts grew tangled, but his expression 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 had first met Karen.

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

Luis shook his head.

"I don't know," he admitted. "But with the winter carnival coming up, it would be the perfect setting for a meeting."

His parents were intrigued--he hadn't mentioned Karen all evening. With this in mind, his mother hoped he wasn't using Sabrina to fill the void Karen had left behind.

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

This was the moment his parents had been waiting for. His approach, choice of words, and new demeanor were all signs of maturity.

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

Luis looked puzzled.

"Why not?" he asked. "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 that the tension with Karen needed resolution. Jim had advised him to avoid her because of his resentment toward Jessica, but Luis seemed more determined than ever to pursue Sabrina.

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

Caroline smiled.

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

Luis groaned.

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