Promise
ELENA'S POINT OF VIEW
"You called for me, Mom," I said with a weary sigh, folding my arms as I fixed my gaze on her.
"Yes, I did ask for you to come here. Please, take a seat," she replied, motioning toward the couch in front of her. I made my way over and settled down, bracing myself for whatever was coming next.
"And how was school today?" she inquired, her eyes seemingly eager for a response. I couldn't help but scoff at her question immediately.
"You didn't really call me over just to quiz me on my school day, did you?" I shot back, a hint of irritation in my voice. She let out a sigh, as if my response was exactly what she expected.
"Can’t I show a little interest in how you performed at school today?" she countered, though it felt more like a formality than genuine curiosity. I couldn't suppress another scoff at her words.
"Since when have you started caring about my academic performance? We both know that’s not the real reason you summoned me here, so just spill it, Mom. I’ve got studying to do," I replied, feeling a wave of annoyance sweep over me. In response, she offered me a faint smile and set the magazine she had been holding aside, a subtle shift in her demeanor that hinted at the seriousness of what was to come.
"Okay, you got me. There’s something important I’ve been wanting to talk about for quite some time now, and I truly believe that this is the right moment to discuss it," she admitted, her tone shifting to one of earnestness. I continued to watch her intently, curiosity piqued despite my earlier irritation.
"Ever since the day your father passed away, it’s felt like an empty space has settled in my heart. I’ve really been struggling with this loneliness, and recently, I met someone who understands the pain of losing a spouse. He, too, is a widower, and we’ve been seeing each other for about four months now. I can hardly believe it, but I’ve actually fallen in love with him, Violet. We’re planning to get married soon, and I’m excited to introduce him to you and the rest of the family next week."
At that moment, I couldn't help but scoff at her announcement.
“So... soon??” I responded incredulously, my voice tinged with disbelief, and she lifted her eyebrows in surprise.
“What do you mean, honey?” she asked, sounding genuinely confused.
“It just seems like it’s come up so quickly. It's only been five years since Dad died, and now you’re already planning to marry someone else?” I said, exhaling heavily as I tried to process her news.
“Violet, you don’t understand. I’ve been alone for five whole years! This is how you respond to your widowed mother?” she replied, her frown deepening as hurt crept into her eyes.
“I know other people who have remarried after just two or three years—some even after a year! But just because I’ve waited five years doesn’t mean I don’t deserve to be happy again, and you’re judging me for that?” she continued, her tone sharper as she let out a scoff of her own.Feeling a wave of frustration, I shook my head.
“Well, it’s clear that my feelings don’t really matter to you, do they? I sincerely wish you good luck with your marriage. But as for me, I’ll be in my room, just like I mentioned earlier. I really need to focus on my studies.” With that, I stood up, still trying to wrap my head around everything she had just revealed.
"I'm not finished with our conversation just yet, Violet," she said, her voice firm yet laced with a hint of warmth. I couldn't help but chuckle softly as I gazed at her, taking a moment to absorb her expression.
"I figured that was the end of your thoughts for today," I replied, raising an eyebrow. She let out a resigned sigh, clearly feeling the weight of this discussion.
"Please, just sit back down. There’s something else I need to discuss with you," she urged, her tone serious. I let out a long, deliberate sigh, contemplating her request, before plopping back into my chair, bracing myself for what was to come.
"Thank you for that," she continued.
"Now, I need to ask you—are you still keeping that promise you made?" Her eyes searched mine, and I felt my eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"What promise are you referring to?" I inquired, genuinely puzzled. Her scoff took me off guard; it was clear she wasn't going to let me off this easy.
"Oh, come on, Violet! Don't pretend you don't remember. What other promise could it possibly be?" she countered, her exasperation palpable. I rolled my eyes, realizing where this conversation was headed.
"Hold on a second, have you..." she began, but I quickly interrupted her before she could finish.
“No, I haven’t, Mom, so could you please stop pressuring me about this?” I replied, feeling frustration bubbling inside me.
“I mean, I’m 19 now, so I’m certainly old enough to make my own choices when it comes to sex. Why on Earth are you so obsessed with whether or not I’ve had sexual experiences?” As I spoke, I could see her posture stiffen, and she stood up abruptly, her eyes narrowing at me.
“I don't care what you think, young lady! All that matters to me is that you don’t let anyone come between your legs. You are not permitted to have sex until I give you the green light. And if you do go ahead and make that mistake... I swear, you’re going to regret it!” she exclaimed with a tone of finality before turning on her heel and walking away. The moment she left, frustration erupted within me; I couldn’t help but hiss under my breath. I jumped to my feet, anger propelling me forward.
Why is it such a big deal to her that I remain a virgin? It’s almost ironic because she’s the one enforcing these ridiculous dress codes on me, insisting that I wear those long skirts. She claims it’ll keep the boys at a distance, but honestly, I’m just so fed up with her antics. Storming off to my room, I couldn’t shake the feeling of resentment I felt toward her relentless control over my life.