My Love Letter

Chapter 3

Ok, something was going on. Adam Smith in my living room? I didn't like him even resting his derrière on the couch. I watched TV on that couch.

  Mom motioned for me to come over, patting the cushion beside her.

  "Sit right here, Kim...we need to tell you something," she said softly. I did as I was told, awkwardly walking over to her and sitting down.

  Dad cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head. "We've been thinking." He paused. "Well, I don't know how to say this."

    I was getting nervous. Dad never was at a loss for words! What was goi-

  Then Mrs. Smith spoke. She was a short woman, shorter than her son, for sure, but her eyes shone with confidence and a certain gleam of motherly fierceness.

  "What your father is trying to say is that my son, Adam," she motioned to him, "will be staying at this house for three weeks while my husband and I go on vacation with your parents. Do you think you can handle that?" She smiled gently at me.

  What I wanted to say: "Are you kidding? Your son and me? Stuck in one house for three weeks? Uh- let me think about it- no. Never. He's arrogant, and I can't stand him."

  What I did say: "Uh-"

  "I'm sure she'll be fine," Mom said to Mrs. Smith, overriding anything that would've come out of my mouth. She turned to face me. "We'll be leaving tomorrow. Short notice, I know, but please behave yourself and don't do anything that'll get your phone, computer, TV, and privileges with Vanessa taken away."

  I sighed. "Ok, I won't do anything crazy, but can you please, pretty please, let Vanessa come over?" If Vanessa stayed with us, that would be two against one if anything...weird happened.

  "That would be fine, but I'll get Jose to check on you and make sure Austin...Alex...Adam? It's Adam, right?" 

  "Yes," Mrs. Smith answered.

  Mom nodded. "Make sure that Adam feels at home, ok?"

  I forced a smile. "I'll try." I glanced at Adam, who was on his phone, texting maniacally. I was sure he was talking to Jessica. I snorted, rolling my eyes, and Mom glared at me.

  Adam lifted his curly brown head, yawning. "Why can't I just stay home or at Jessica's house instead of having to be stuck with this loser?"

    Mrs. Smith snapped. "Excuse me, but we will not call anyone rude names! Her name is Kimberly. We've been over this before- I don't like the idea of you being alone and especially alone with a girl who seems irresponsible. Do. You. Understand. Me? And you'd better have good behavior with Kimberly, or else!" She met her son's eyes, challenging him, daring him to say more.   Adam averted his eyes. "Yes," he replied.

  "Yes what?"

  "Yes, ma'am." He sighed.

  "Glad we have an understanding." Mrs. Smith shook her head at him and turned to Mom. "I am so sorry. He's usually not this stubborn or rude."

  Then Mr. Smith, from whom I didn't recall hearing one word this entire time, said, "Honey, I think it's time for us to head home now." His voice, unlike his wife's, was rough and calm.

  "Of course, darling," Mrs. Smith replied. She gave Mom and me one of those half-hugs and shook Dad's hand. "Thank you for taking some time to talk with us, and your daughter is very beautiful." She winked at me, and I felt my face heat up. Both families stood, and after some more small talk and goodbyes, the Smiths left. I locked the door behind them and leaned wearily against it.