Ask Her Parents

“Can you at least ask? Please?” Marie begged, hiding behind the wall. Emily rolled her eyes. “Alright. I’ll try. But no promises...” she said, hurriedly walking back towards her own house.

###

Emily entered the front door, and heard the sounds of her parents’ discussion in the next room. She quickly made her way past the living room and into the kitchen.

“Honey, I feel just as bad for her as you do. But letting someone who’s barely talked with us at all in our home dressed like that? I don’t know if it’s such a good idea...” Emily’s father pleaded, rubbing his wife’s shoulder as she labored away at cooking some vegetables.

“I’m all for her coming inside while she waits for some help, what’s the issue with that? We can’t just leave her out there, she might get cold.”

“Well, let’s give her something to wear then...” Emily chimed in. Both parents looked to her in unison, and resounded a quick “No,” shutting Emily down instantly.

“Why not? I don’t see the issue.” Emily started.

Emily’s father turned to face her. “Her hair looks a little dirty, probably from being in the yard for who knows how long. Your mother doesn’t want her to mess up any of our clothes, and I agree.”

“That’s ridiculous. Let her use a towel, hell even a bedsheet!” She said, her temper starting to get the best of her.

“I’m willing to compromise and let her come inside and call a friend for help. That’s plenty more than anyone else on this street would’ve done.” Emily’s mother explained apathetically.

“Amanda can we-“ Emily’s father tried to start. He was quickly shut down, with a finger to his lips. “My mind is made up. Do what you want, but she’s welcome inside this house regardless of what she wears.” Amanda stated authoritatively. Emily’s father mumbled, and sulked back to the backyard to tend the grill again. An awkward silence ensued across the kitchen, only permeated by the light sounds of boiling water.

“Emily? Go ahead and let her know she can come inside. Let her borrow your phone to make a call.” Amanda commanded. Emily knew by the tone that she was done discussing the matter, and began walking back outside.

###

“...So she wanted me to let you know you can come inside, and that you can borrow my phone if you need to call someone.” Emily explained, knowing the news must not sound good from Marie’s end.

“Let me get this straight. She’s more ok with me coming in her house dressed like...” Marie began, in disbelief. She looked down at herself, and her bare body. The idea that someone preferred her to remain nude rather than borrow some clothes seemed absolutely strange to her. “...this? In front of her family?”

Emily shook her head. “I know, it seems backwards. I tried to talk them into it, but they aren’t for it at all. They don’t even want me to let you borrow something of mine.”

Marie sat back against the wall. “Unbelievable!” She said, staring into the sky in disbelief.

“Look, I didn’t come with all bad news. My Dad’s almost done, he’s got steak coming off the grill. I know you’re hungry. I know it’s a lot to ask, but going inside can’t be any worse than staying out here.” Emily explained, hoping in her heart Marie might accept.

Marie mulled it over, before remembering what’s Emily had said about her phone.

“Can I make a call first?”