[18] Discussions to Avoid

I walked towards the kitchen and I noticed my mom was prepping some flower pots there. I gave her a slight kiss on the cheek as I indifferently looked for something to quench my thirst.

"So, do you like this girl Felice, Tony?" She asked me as she placed one vibrant pot of purple flowers to the side.

"Yes, mother," I said since that is what I've been saying for days, might as well stick with it. I was still probably not sure what I was feeling. But 'like' can be a convincing term.

Ilooked at the potted plant, I realized how little those pots meant to me. Iwalked towards it and examined the leaves. Yes, the plants are new, but thepots weren't. How come I've never noticed the pots before? What was that flowercalled again?

My thoughts were interrupted with my mother's blabbering. "She's not... well, don't take it in a wrong way Tony, I think she is kind of not the usual type of women I've been seeing you with." She said tentatively as she fixed a pot of freshly brewed coffee. "Don't take it in a wrong way, but why the sudden change of taste, my dear boy?" She smiled at me.

"Yes, I've taken a good look too. Oh the curves are there, just not in the right places. Hair was not that flattering either... even her face, she looks too much like pressed bread, if you know what I mean." My father chimed in as he entered from a different room.

How can they say this? I've never brought anyone home. Have they been spying on me?

"I don't imagine that you'd be saying those things in front of her." I groused as I took some coffee in my empty cup. "I know she doesn't look like a supermodel, but I tend to believe she looks like a human being—not some animal or pressed bread." I was starting to get irritated with the way the things turned out. Who were they comparing Felice to?

"Well, she clearly didn't dress to impress too. Where'd you get this poor fellow?" My mother commented insensitively.

"Ah, albeit the bad taste in fashion, I thought she had a huge brain," Father said as my sister went down the stairs.

"Who are we talking about?" She asked and as she saw my irritated face that early in the morning, she immediately knew. "Oh, yes. Mom, Dad, don't you think Felice is just wonderful?"

"Hey, hey!" I said keenly as I became fed up with how they were acting. "It's not like I brought someone with leprosy into the house! What's so wrong about her anyway? What's the matter with you people?" This is going to be a good reason not to invite anyone into the house.

My parents' judgment was always in question anyway. It's not as if their comments and insights are dependable on a regular basis. I mean, they approved of Alfred, didn't they? Look how he turned out.

"Tony,we didn't mean to insult your friend. We were good to her. It's just that, Iwas thinking that you only brought her home because she... well maybe she didn'thave anyone waiting for her at home or you took pity or something. It's notlike you, that is all. She seems really sweet though." Mother said as it didn'tcalm my nerves down one bit. They thought that bringing Felice was charity?!

"This is clearly why I haven't brought anyone home to meet you." I muttered under my breath, too low for them to hear.

"Ma, I think it's wonderful for Tony to have a change in preference. Karen's way much of a prostitute to be with Tony!" Antoinette said.

"But you could do better." My father laughed.

"I know she's not the supermodel type, but at least give her some respect. She's 5 times more than what girls like Karen will ever be—that I'm sure of." I said and went out to the garden to check out the greeneries to find hope in pacifying myself. I was getting stressed out with all the talking.

I didn't know how to react to that. Was I even supposed to get mad? I decided to pursue this girl, and I will stand by my decision no matter what. If only I had a little more support...

"Tony, don't take them too seriously. They mean well." Antoinette said as she went after me to the garden. I scoffed at her ridiculous regard.

"Excuse me," The maid walked towards us to announce a visitor. "Ms. Karen is here to see you."

"Karen? What is she doing here?" I blurted. Speaking of the devil.

"Who is she doing here? That's a more appropriate question, if I may add." My sister said with a roll of her eyes as she started to walk back into the house.

Near the front gate, I could already see her as she made her way towards me. I gave her a small smile and tilted my head towards the pathway going to the backyard. I refused to meet her out in the open where my parents would see us. They might get more stupid ideas.

"Hey Anthony, how have you been?" Karen says as she catches up with my pace.

"Good, you?" I replied as I sat beside the pool, she took the seat beside me.

"I've been good too." She smiled. "I've heard what happened, but I haven't heard it from you. You haven't been answering my calls, what's up?" She placed a hand on my knee.

"You made this deal for Trish. Trish blew it, end of story." And as for the other detail, I didn't know what to tell her. Excuse me Karen, but I'm falling in love with Felice and I'm totally disgusted with you right now just wouldn't cover it. I decided for a kinder answer, "I don't deserve your prize since I wasn't able to make my part of the deal. So you're free from me now." I said truthfully and since I was looking more and more pathetic, I decided to bounce back to my bravado. "It's natural that I'd feel a bit of shame on a lost bet, but I'm fine."

"Win or lose, nothing has changed Anthony." Her hand was traveling up my leg and it gave me weird sensations. "Are you free today?"

"No, I'm not. Some other time, Karen." I said as I removed her hand from my leg.

Hersmile disappeared from her face. "What's the matter with you, Anthony? You'vebeen so uptight. Have you been so deprived?" She frowned. "Trish said that youdidn't hang out with them anymore. You only meet with the boys a few times aweek. Where and with who have you been spending all your time with?"

"Right, well, I'm quite stressed these days," I replied curtly. We were not together, she should not feign concern for me. Besides, wasn't she shacking Pekto, so what does she need me for? Isn't one dick enough for this slut?

My phone started ringing and I saw Antoinette's name flashing at the screen. "See?" As if to prove my point that I was busy. Saved by Antoinette, yet again.

"I see. Well, I don'tlive very far Anthony. I'm just a call away." Karen stood up as I took the fakecall. Is actually offering me a booty-call? I thought she had a little bit moreclass than that.