Christy prepares the table, best china saved for holiday use, silk table cloth as the armora from the kitchen seemed to fill the entire house. The last fork was laid at the head of the table when the front door opens, followed by the laughing words from her parents.
"Christy what's going on?" Her mother asks stepping into view as her father removes his coat putting it on the nearby hook.
"I decided to surprise you with a lovely lunch. How are the Sloan's?" After church since before her birth her parents would visit awhile with the Sloan family, Christy sometimes attended the visits as well.
"They are fine. That Peter is getting to become quite handsome and he's decided to go to school for business, doesn't that sound lovely?" Christy bites her tongue, holds back a sneer, she knew exactly what her mother was baiting at.
"I am sure Peter will do quite well, he has always been quite resourceful and responsible."
"Darling why the nice china?" Father asks, rescuing her from the conversation. She turns and winks at him mouthing thanks, he nods softly; the lady feet away doesn't notice any of it.
"I'll discuss it during the meal." With her father's help the ham, along with all the perfectly preprepared sides are brought to the table and the three eat, talking of the past couple passing events in their lives. Newest cases for father. Latest gossip from neighbors told by mother, Christy remained quiet.
"I told Miss Henderson I would teach at their school." They both lower their utinles, stare at her.
"Excuse me?"
"Miss Henderson, the women who spoke today at service about the mission and the need for teachers at the schools. I volunteered to do just that. A mixture of concern and fear washes over both their faces.
"Well tell her you made a mistake! How could you do that without speaking I or your father first?" With covidence Christy stares directly at her mother.
"Because I am nineteen mother. I am capable and willing to make decisions for my own life. I am sorry if walking two steps behind Peter Sloan or anyone else for that ,matter doesn't exactly suit me for the moment, perhaps it never will."
"Little miss, are you sure?"
"Yes father"
"Than that's all that matters." She turns back to her mother, who is voiding them both staring at the empty lunch plate.