When I get close to Sam's home, I move deliberately knowing that there won't be anyone inside waiting for me. With each step I take, my mind spirals into overthinking causing my anxiety to resurface. I spot a car parked outside his place and see two people standing in front of his door, seemingly trying to peek inside. Driven by curiosity, I quickly approached them. “Can I help you?” I hope this isn't another journalist, because I'm really fed up with them.
“Oh, hi. We've been knocking for a while without anyone answering, but I’m certain my son is inside.” I was taken aback by what the woman said and realized I was now speaking with his mother. “I’m Sarah and this is Sam's father, Antoine.”
I gazed at the man next to her and he returned my stare in silence. I can’t quite determine which of them Sam resembles, but I’m certain it’s a blend of his parents’ features. “O-oh, uh, I'm Cari—” Just as I was about to finish my sentence, a door opened and Sam appeared behind it.
“Sam, honey! Your father and I have knocked multiple times already. What was keeping you from answering the door?” Rather than showing any joy at his parents' arrival, he simply stared at me blankly leaving me unsure of his thoughts. I didn’t want them to get the wrong idea about me, especially since it’s their first impression, so I need to stop being uncomfortable.
“I-I had no idea you guys were coming over.” Sam allowed his parents in and gestured for them to sit on the couch. His dad sat down on the couch right away, while his mom glanced around the room. “We could have come up with a plan.”
I awkwardly trailed behind them, without even refreshing my face. I feel like I'm out in the open. “Are you going to introduce us to your friend?” I suddenly noticed her mom sizing me up when I looked at her in confusion. Friend. I know I've never met his parents in person since he mentioned they're both very busy. His mom manages two restaurants a bit further away, while his dad runs a hardware store and is considering moving abroad permanently. I wonder why Sam hasn’t thought about launching a business, especially with his parents being so business oriented. The sharp pain in my chest returned when I heard his mom say ‘friend,’ as I had hoped they knew or had heard about me. Because I feel more familiar with them, yet they don’t even recognize me.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to finally meet Cari, my girlfriend.” I wasn’t prepared to feign a smile since I don't want to force it, but since it’s Sam's parents I wouldn’t want them to think of me as unfriendly on their first impression. His mom covered her face with her hands, as if in shock. I’d feel the same way in disbelief too.
“Oh my, Cari? Of course!” Sam provided me with a photograph of them together, but it's quite old and it's hard to identify his parents since Sam was only thirteen at the time. His mom came up to me with a beaming smile and gave me a warm, tight hug. I managed a small smile and returned her hug. “I apologize, Cari. I didn't recognize you.” Before I could say anything more, his father, Antoine, extended his hand for me to shake. I hesitated initially, but once I shook his hand he started smiling.
“It’s her birthday today, Mom. You made her feel quite unhappy.” Sam abruptly spoke while leaning against the wall.
“It's fine, really. Can I get you guys a drink or something?” I asked them and was heading to the kitchen when Sarah clasped both of my arms.
“Happy birthday to you, Cari. If I had known, we could have brought something from the restaurant or even better, dined there together.” Her words were filled with heartfelt sincerity.
“Thank you for that. Perhaps we can try it next time.” She gave me a smile and kept nodding.
“Call me Sarah from now on, Cari.” I glanced at Sam and he was once again staring blankly into space. “What do you have at your place, Sam? I can see that nothing has changed.” She said while glancing at his belongings, which made Sam sigh. “And the kitchen hasn’t been cleaned properly.”
