Free April Loves Black Coffee: First Impressions by T.B. Solangel Page B

motherly type on energy pills. Eunhye’s parenting skills have always been a little unorthodox. It might be because Eunhye’s line of work keeps her attentive and youthful.
    “A few months,” I answer shortly. I keep my expressions steady, hoping to be discreet. I don’t want Eunhye to misunderstand the situation or exacerbate it.
    “I trust you, honey. But next time, if any of your co-workers get too hammered to go home, just call me ok?” Eunhye asks. “I know you’re twenty-one, but there are things you still need to run by me.”
    Surprised, I turn to face her . Oh no. She’s mad . “I thought you were fine with me letting him crash here last night. You said it is better than him getting in trouble on the way home.” My eyes search for forgiveness.
    “Of course I have to say that,” Eunhye remarks immediately. I know she forgives me when she smiles. “It’s done. I can’t turn back time. Besides, there’s no point in lecturing you in front of him. Sweetheart, at the end of the day, you’re a girl and he’s a boy. Thankfully, nothing happened and he turned out to be a very good person.”
    I bite my tongue on what I really want to reply. “I’m sorry mom. I’ll use better judgment next time,” I say instead.
    My mother’s face expands into a large smile. “I wouldn’t mind if you date him. Not only is he one of those rare handsome ones, but he’s also very intelligent.”
    “Hmm.” I make my way over to my closet and start rummaging through for clothes. This is my cue to get occupied; this is also the part in the conversation where I revert to my adolescent ways. Eunhye knows I don’t do the boyfriend thing because I haven’t found anyone interesting in all of my twenty-one years. All the boys my age are only interested in money, sex, and drugs–which isn’t a far cry from the rest of the male population, I have heard through the grapevine. Besides, Choi Sangwoo is way out of my league and I am too a lifetime-of-insecurities to think otherwise.
    Meanwhile, Eunhye is rambling on in the background. She’s on a mission. “We had a very great conversation. I would actually approve of him if you two became an item. Don’t you think it’s about time you find yourself a boyfriend? Someone to share your life with?”
    I stop looking through my closet. “Mom, he’s just a friend. Besides, I’m not interested in a relationship right now. I have other goals in my life.”
    Eunhye proceeds to narrow her eyes at me. “Maybelline Lee. I was a teen once you know? Before I got this old and wise, I was your age once.”
    I let out a laugh. Eunhye knows how to lighten up a situation. “Mom, you were a teen when bingo night meant a great date.”
    “Ouch!” She playfully pinches the underside of my left arm. “That was the best thing in the world! Don’t make fun of me.”
    I shake my head and continue ransacking through my closet. “Our generation is doomed, mother.”
    “Does he do anything else besides The Trax?” Eunhye presses on, diverting the conversation back to Choi Sangwoo.
    I pause shortly, fighting the urge to laugh. “Not that I know of.”
    “That’s a shame. He could really use those brains and looks of his to go far. He’s a gem May. Mark my words. He’ll do something big with his life. This won’t be the last time you hear from him.” Leaving me to mull on that, Eunhye walks out of my room with a dreamy sigh. 
    I want to laugh at Eunhye’s premature prediction, but when my eyes land on the spot where Sangwoo slept last night, I spy the shiny object. I make my way over to the area without any mental registration. As soon as my hands touch the object, I realize what it is quickly. It is the same diamond-encrusted necklace with a Cross on it.
    Thoughts floor my mind. Why is it here in my room? Didn’t Choi Sangwoo tuck his necklace back inside his shirt just moments ago? I saw him do it in the kitchen. I spin the necklace up to the light. It’s so beautiful. It must be