Wait until Candy leaves the bathroom

You remain in the stall, waiting for Candy to finish her business and exit the room. It is awkward enough for you to meet new people. Meeting someone in the ladies’ room is downright uncomfortable. Meeting someone in the ladies’ room after accidentally overhearing her phone conversation is — well — there aren’t words to describe it.

Once you are convinced you are again alone, you complete your business, wash your hands, and check yourself in the mirror. As you do, you replay Candy’s side of the phone conversation in your mind. Much of it didn’t make sense to you. It isn’t that your grasp of English is poor, but the way she was using certain words made it very difficult to comprehend what was going on. One thing is certain: she wants to get together with someone but apparently feels obligated to play host to you, instead. You feel bad that you are imposing on her in this way and decide you will find a way to show your gratitude to her.

You exit the ladies’ room and head toward the area of the airport that had been designated as the place to meet your host family. You look for a group of people, since you know it is a family of four. At the very least, you expect to see Mrs. Lutz and Candy. You did overhear Candy say, after all, that “we’re here” to pick you up from the airport. To your surprise, the only person in the designated area who could possibly be waiting for you is a young woman who is talking on her mobile phone. When she sees you, she smiles and waves you over to her.

She is finishing up her phone call as you draw near to her.

“Look, Jeff, I’ve got to go. You and Ryan figure it out; I already told him.... Now, don’t get me started; you know I can’t do anything about that right now. Look, I’ve really got to go. We’ll talk later. Bye.” With that, the young woman pushes a button on her phone, places it in her handbag, and turns her attention to you.

“Tomika! I recognize you from your picture. I’m Candy.” She gives you an embrace and takes one of your bags from you. “I feel like I’m finally going to have the sister I’ve always wanted.”

You greet Candy, relieved that she genuinely appears to be pleased to meet you. After overhearing her conversation, you were afraid she might resent your presence. You look around and ask, “Are you by yourself?”

“No... My mom is here, too. She should be here shortly. Security selected her for additional screening, and they took her to a room for a search.”

“Additional screening? I thought they only did that for travelers. Is your mother flying somewhere?”

Candy smiles a mysterious grin and says, “Not exactly... Although I suspect she may be in the middle of riding something.” Seeing the questioning look on your face, she says, “I think it was all a misunderstanding; I’m sure she’ll be back soon. So, Tomika, tell me about yourself. Do you have a boyfriend?”

You feel yourself blushing at such a personal question from someone you only just met. Candy did say that she viewed you as a sister, however. Perhaps this is her way of bonding with you.

You respond that you have never had a boyfriend and how your family has always placed a premium on academics. Consequently, you have been sternly warned not to get distracted by boys until after you are done with school.

“No boys at all?” asks Candy, incredulously. “You mean you haven’t even —“

Her question is cut off as she sees a woman approaching, accompanied by two security agents.

“Ah, here is Mom now,” she says, waving toward her.

Mrs. Lutz approaches and gives you a motherly smile. She turns to the security agents and says, “Thank you for your special attention, gentlemen. And you have my address and phone number for our follow up interview, don’t you?” She turns her back on the men and asks Candy, “So, is this the newest member of our family?”

Candy introduces you to her mother. “I’m very pleased to meet you Mrs. Lutz. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Please, call me Mom, Tomika,” says the woman. “You have everything? If so, let’s get you home. You must be exhausted after your flight.”

You look toward the departing security agents. “Was there a problem, Mrs. Lut— I mean, Mom?” It seems strange to refer to a woman you just met in this way, but there is something very warm and motherly about Mrs. Lutz; you are certain it will soon feel natural.

Your American mom glances toward the uniformed agents and waves and dismissive hand. “No, not a problem. While we were waiting for your flight, I struck up a conversation with them. I asked them about the pre-screening program for frequent travelers, and they said that to qualify, I would need a special interview. They graciously offered to do it on the spot.”

“Were their questions particularly probing, Mother?” asks Candy. The question seems a bit odd to you, particularly with the mischievous look on Candy’s face. Mrs. Lutz seems unperturbed, however, and responds, “They were quite probing. They kept coming at me from every angle; both officers at the same time. The dark-haired one has particularly long and deeply-penetrating questions.”

Candy giggles. “I know the type. Our school’s safety officer is like that. He always seems to ride my ass.”

You involuntarily gasp at Candy’s language. Mrs. Lutz notices your reaction and says, “Now, Candy... Remember what I told you; watch your language around Tomika. I’m sure she comes from a much more proper background.” She turns her attention to you and explains, “The phrase Candy just used can mean that a person is particularly strict with someone.”

You nod in understanding, feeling your cheeks grow red. You thought you were prepared for a more relaxed culture, but now that you are here, you realize you have a long way to go to fully fit in. You try to take the attention off of yourself with some humor. “Of course... After all, it would be silly to imagine some man actually riding a woman like a horse!” The women join in your laughter, but you notice an unspoken message passing between them as they exchange looks.

You arrive at the parking garage and place your bags in the vehicle. As you climb into the car, Mrs. Lutz asks, “Would you like to see any of the sights or grab something to eat before we go home?”