Chapter 21

Mutually, Jim and Caroline wondered about the girl who'd captivated their son. Although, his father often appeared uneasy, despite his mother's obvious enthusiasm.

“How are you?” Jim inquired as Luis arrived.

True to form, he appeared drained while placing a bag on the floor.

“I'm fine, all things considered.”

Affectionately, Caroline embraced him.

“Welcome home...” she muttered. “We missed you.”

Luis chuckled, snuggling.

“You act as though I've been gone for weeks; what gives?”

“You know your mother...” Jim chimed in. “Anxious to hear about everything.”

Gradually, he shrugged, but when there was good news, his mother endured worse than imagined. Except now, Caroline seemed reluctant to ask questions, so Jim stayed obliging, and seized her hand.

“You all right?”

Gently, Caroline lay against his shoulder.

“Considering everything...” she retorted. “I'm trying to stay positive.”

Jim cuddled, grinning.

“That's what Luis needs to see right now.”

After, Caroline grabbed a bottle of red wine.

“I'll see what I can do.”

More and more, Luis valued the time with his parents, and they were equally pleased to have him home. Barring, any unexpected family reunion felt accepted and appreciated.

“What's this?” he inquired, observing.

Caroline giggled, opening the bottle.

“We figured, since you're an adult, it's time we treated you like one.”

Interrogatively, he glanced at his father.

“I suppose you were in on this?”

Without a word, his father winked, savoring a glass.

“Tell us about this young lady.” Caroline requested, easing into a seat.

Following a deep breath, Luis sampled the wine.

“Her name's Sabrina...” he began. “And she's a freshman.”

“I expect you have a class or two together?” Jim inquired.

Like always, Luis garnered his father's expression.

“Sabrina isn't studying law.”

Gradually, his mother lifted a brow.

“Oh?” she queried. “What's her major?”

With reluctance, Luis glanced at his mother.

“Marketing.”

“I hope she's a nice girl.” Jim specified, aiming to shift the tone.

“That's the thing...” he continued. “We still haven't met.”

By nature, Jim and Caroline seemed confused.

“How can you like a girl you haven't met?” his mother asked.

In no time, Luis's thoughts grew contorted, though his expression conveyed sensibilities words couldn't.

“She's not like other girls.”

At random, Jim judged Luis's passionate disposition, since he'd experienced a comparable attraction when meeting Karen.

“What do you intend to do?” Caroline questioned.

Luis shook his head.

“I don't know...” he professed. “However, with the winter carnival approaching, it'd be the perfect setting for a meeting.”

Generally, Jim and Caroline stood intrigued because he hadn't mentioned Karen all evening. That's why his mother hoped he wasn't using Sabrina to occupy the void she'd left behind.

“I know Karen's controversial...” Luis explained. “But Sabrina seems different, and that's what I need right now.”

By chance, this was a moment his parents anticipated. The approach, variety of words, and new demeanor were signs of maturity.

“We want the best for you...” Caroline returned. “Though, as much as we'd like to guide you, we can't.”

From there, Luis seemed baffled.

“Why not?” he demanded. “I need to hear what you think.”

Slowly, Caroline verged.

“You still need to figure some things out.”

Suitably, he slouched with an unmoved expression, recognizing the dilemmas with Karen needed closure. Although, Jim had advised him to avoid her due to his resentment for Jessica. That being the case, he appeared more determined to pursue Sabrina.

Expectedly, Luis agreed.

“I know exactly where to start.”

Assuredly, Caroline beamed.

“I'm confident you do...” she indicated. “However, Karen won't be so willing to let go.”

Shifting, Luis moaned.

“That's what I'm afraid of.”