25.5.2009
2
2
Before John introduced Violet to his parents, he took her?as could be guessed?to see Rev. Pauline on Freyjagata.
She opened the door in her robe, having just gotten out of the bath. She looked at John smiling, went to him and embraced him as was her custom.
"Are you back, my dear boy. Let me see you. I'll be darned if you're not always a bit more mature every time I see you. And congratulations on your office. How come you haven't yet shown me the office. Didn't you have a party? You're not telling me you've forgotten me, your best friend." She had started stroking John all over as if she were dusting him off.
Violet stood for a long time watching. When Rev. Pauline finally stopped talking, John seized the opportunity to introduce Violet.
When they had greeted each other, they all went into the living room and sat down.
"What can I offer you, kids?"
While Rev. Pauline brought in coffee and cookies, she talked non-stop.
"So this is your latest flame." Her expression was teasing, and she tried to give John a bad time.
Violet said nothing, but looked at knickknacks on shelves and tables and pictures on the walls. She also checked the view out the window of the city and the water.
Rev. Pauline had been eyeing Violet, and after they had been there a while, she started to address her. It did not take long before they were chatting away.
"John, be a dear and go to the shop for some cream."
This was a good sign, and Rev. Pauline had hardly let fall the words before John was out the door. When he returned after half an hour, he saw that Rev. Pauline had taken the measure of his new girl friend. Rev. Pauline smiled.
"John," she said. "I like this girl. You clearly have come along." She smiled at Violet, and by the time they left, Rev. Pauline and Violet had become friends.