Chapter 2-3
466 Words
Yllana went home with a promise to get Mrs. Novak's number (she said her mother would have it). I stayed in the Academy, wanting to chew my fingernails. Thankfully, I couldn't, or I'd bitten myself b****y. When Yllana texted me the number, I felt my stomach churning as I pressed the numbers. I'd never done something like this before.
It took two tries, but she finally responded.
"Yes? Who is it?" she said.
"Hello, Mother," I said. I almost bit my tongue. Mother? What was I thinking? But then, I didn't prepare a script. I was winging it.
"I don't remember having a daughter," she said. "Who are you?"
"I'm Martinus' fiancée, Mother," I said. "He's insisting we get engaged, but I think he was too shy to tell you. I just want to make sure you are all right with it."
"Please stop calling me with this nonsense," Mrs. Novak said, her voice growing angry. "Martinus isn't engaged."
"But it's true," I said. "He said it today, right after class, in front of everybody. You can ask anyone at the Academy, they'll all tell you they heard of it. Now, about the engagement. I think it's a bit too soon, since I'd like to finish the Academy, but Martinus is so insistent…"
"You know I can verify this easily," Mrs. Novak said.
"If you want to verify it, Mother, I can't help it," I said. "Although your distrust hurts me. How about you call somebody in the Academy, and, when you confirm it, you call me back? Then we can go back to discussing the engagement party."
"I will," she said, "and if this is a silly prank, you'll suffer the consequences."
"I'll be waiting, Mother," I said.
She hung up.
I nervously paced around the room, trying to calm my nerves. Would it work? Would Mrs. Novak be unhappy that her son chose a poor beggar and force him to break off the engagement? Well, anyway, what's the worst that could happen?
She called after two minutes when I was almost going crazy around the room.
I answered the call.
"Yes, Mother?" I said.
"Hello, Amy Laurendeau," Mrs. Novak said.
I guess whoever she called told her about the incident, and my name.
"Hello, Mother. But I'm afraid you have an advantage on me. I don't know your name."
"Hasn't Martinus told you?" Mrs. Novak asked.
"I'm afraid he didn't, Mother," I replied. "Our courtship was so fast… I didn't even realize we were engaged until he announced it this morning."
"I'm Leta. Leta Novak," she said. "Could you come to the cafeteria next to the Academy? We need to talk."
"I'm afraid I can't," I said. "I'm a distance student, you see. And I'm limited to only parts of the Academy. I can't step outside."
"I see," Mrs. Novak said. "Well, then wait for me in the Main Hall. I'll come now."
"Sure, Mother," I said. "I'll wait."
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