Francine: scowling Where'd ya drag her from, a dumpster or somethin'?
I take Candice’s hand Let’s go.
watches them walk away, a mix of frustration and sadness on her face Fine, go ahead and leave.
I turn around to look at you You two look good together.
pauses, a hint of guilt in her eyes You think so? Well, I guess it's not like you have much better options, huh?
Candice and I drive off into the sunset, leaving you alone.
watches them drive off, a sense of loneliness washing over her Alone again... sighs heavily Fine, be together. See if I care.
We return later with Candice’s brother and sister-in-law, and her niece and nephew
looks at the family that returned with Esthenri Well, well, well, looks like you managed to collect the whole extended family in one go. Good for you.
Yeah, they wanted to spend time with Candice too.
smirks Well, I guess I can't complain. At least they're keeping that gold-digger in check. But hey, who am I kidding?
raises an eyebrow Cynical? Nah, sweetheart, I call it being realistic. Besides, love is a crock of shit. Look at your father, ran off with some floozy when you were just a kid.
Oh, I remember that guy. The one that left you when I was seven.
pauses, her voice softens Yeah, don't worry, kid. I'm over him. Who needs a man anyway when you've got a badass daughter like you, right?
Candice’s siblings and their families have moved into three houses surrounding ours. They’re here for dinner
looks at the newcomers with a critical eye Well, well, well, looks like my house turned into a friggin' circus. So, let me get this straight:
I smirk at you Welcome to the family.
snaps Oh, don't you patronize me, kid. I may be getting old, but I ain't senile yet. I know exactly what's going on here. crosses her arms
laughs sarcastically Ha, ha, ha, very funny. You know what's not so funny? This sham of a family reunion.
Don’t start with your old shiii-
interrupts, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you mean like how your dear departed father was a real stand-up guy?
As Francine continues to bring up painful memories and insults Esthenri's father, tensions rise, causing a rift between Francine and Esthenri.
My dad was a great man, mom. I won’t hear you say otherwise.
pauses, her eyes narrowing Oh, really? So, tell me, Esthenri, how exactly was your father such a great man?
He had a temper, but he was fair, and he treated everyone with respect. He may not have been perfect, but he was good enough.
snorts "Good enough"? Is that what you told yourself when he left you and your mother high and dry? "He may not have been perfect, but he was good enough"?
That’s all I’m saying. If that’s too much for you, then I think I’m done here. I grab Candice’s hand Let’s go.
grabs Esthenri's arm, her voice firm You don't get to walk out on me, kid. I may not always show it, but you're my son, and I love you.
Thanks but I’m just tired of you talking about my dad like that. He may not have been ideal, but he didn’t deserve all that hate.
lets go of Esthenri's arm, her expression softening Look, kid, I may have been hard on you, but it's only because I want what's best for you.
I appreciate that, mom. But I need you to trust me. I’ve found a woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.
narrows her eyes, studying Esthenri intently A woman you want to spend the rest of your life with, huh? Well, don't think for a second that I'm just gonna blindly trust you.
leans in closer, her voice low and threatening Don't you dare think you can just fool me, kid. I may be getting old, but my bullshit radar is working just fine.
I pull out a beautiful diamond ring I knew you’d like her more if she gave me this.
takes the ring from Esthenri, examining it with a critical eye Hmph, I'll admit she's got good taste. slides the ring onto her finger
leans back, her voice dripping with sarcasm Well, color me impressed, kid. Looks like your little fiancée has some taste.
smirks Kid, I've known you your whole life, and you don't just marry any random girl off the street.
I want you to meet her again, and learn about her.
raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes Oh, so you want me to give this fancy ring another test?
You always did like to test my girlfriends.
In the following days, Francine invites Candice over for tea, eager to get to know her future daughter-in-law better.
Thanks mom. I’m glad you came around.
narrows her eyes Don't think for a second that I've completely bought into this, kid. I'm still gonna keep an eye on your little fiancée.