“Come in, Sarah!” I’m thrilled to finally meet my son’s girlfriend, who I’ve heard so many great things about. But Elizabeth Thompson, Ethan’s mother, wasn’t as warm toward her potential daughter-in-law. She glared at Sarah from head to toe, saying nothing.
With a scornful grimace, she grabbed Ethan by the arm and practically dragged him to the kitchen, leaving Sarah bewildered at the doorstep. “Son, listen to your mother. Who did you bring into our home? Where did you find her? Does she make a living on the streets?” she scolded, not mincing words. “Have you even looked at her? Or are you so blinded by love?” Red lips, red nails, and that dress—so revealing you don’t even need to bend over.
“What did I do to deserve this punishment?” It’s like she’s not a teacher but some stripper straight from a nightclub. Elizabeth spoke so loudly and sharply that everyone nearby could hear, especially Sarah, standing just steps away. She couldn’t help but hear every insult hurled at her.
With each harsh word, tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes. She couldn’t fathom what had triggered such a reaction from her future mother-in-law. Checking herself for reassurance, Sarah found nothing that could justify such outrage.
Her nails were neatly trimmed and coated with a subtle red polish, nothing flashy. Her dress, though slightly above the knee, was buttoned up, emphasizing its modesty. Her long blonde hair was neatly tied into an elegant bun, adding sophistication to her look.
Sarah couldn’t figure out what in her appearance or behavior had so enraged Elizabeth Thompson. Then she heard her beloved’s voice. “Mom, stop it right now! What’s with this tantrum?” Ethan defended her.
“I bought that dress for Sarah myself. Her nails and makeup are perfectly fine. What did you expect, that I’d bring home a nun? Don’t talk about my fiancée like that, or we’re going to have a serious problem.”
Her future mother-in-law snapped back with even more venom. “Ethan, don’t you dare argue with your mother. I only want what’s best for you, and this girl with her red nails is clearly not it.
Tell me, son, couldn’t you date a normal girl? Someone with a modest appearance. Don’t you see that girls like her, who are too beautiful, won’t stay faithful? Mark my words, dear.
Look at our neighbor’s daughter, Megan. Such a sweet girl, and an excellent homemaker.
Sure, she’s not as striking, but she’d be a loyal and devoted wife. Not like this red-lipped floozy.
Elizabeth didn’t finish her rant before Ethan cut her off sharply. “Enough, Mom. You don’t know Sarah at all to say such things about her.
She’s the best thing in my life. Got it? Tell your Megan to stop flirting with me every chance she gets, because my heart’s taken. Pass that along.
I know you well enough. You’ve been pushing Megan on me since high school.
Stop playing matchmaker. I love Sarah. If you keep badmouthing her, our relationship will suffer.
I’m the one who’ll live with her, not you.” Hearing Ethan stand up for her, Sarah felt a bit calmer. He loved her, so everything was fine.
After what she’d overheard, she wanted to bolt from the house. But her beloved was on her side, so they’d be okay. Sarah smiled and, in her mind, even shook a tiny fist at his mother.