Chapter 2

A sizzling hot shared barbecue platter was set before us. Adam happily gnawed on a rib while everyone else ignored the fact that I couldn't chew meat anymore because of my lack of teeth.

I could only drink bowl after bowl of soup until I was finally just full of liquid. When it came time to pay, Raymond received a phone call. "Mom, sorry, but something came up at work. Vivian doesn't have any money on her, so can you pay first? I'll pay you back later."

He then left in a hurry. I didn't even look his way when I paid the bill, as I had already expected this. "Calculating… Money for food has been credited."

It would seem like my son was really going to end up with a huge IOU.

After seeing Vivian and Adam off, I went next door to visit Susan Glenn since I had nothing else to do. "Oh my, Beatrice, why are you still dressed so plain? If you're going to enjoy being taken care of, you should at least dress up a bit!"

I smiled, giving a dismissive wave. "Enjoy being taken care of? I just like wearing whatever is comfortable."

She clicked her tongue in disappointment. "Why don't you learn a thing or two from your son's mothers-in-law? She showed up at the grocery store this morning, decked out in gold and fine jewelry. She told everyone they were from her wonderful son-in-law. You're simply too modest, Beatrice."

I froze upon hearing that. Gold and fine jewelry? Raymond had told me that gold and fine jewelry were too expensive these days, so it wasn't a good time to buy.

Seeing my face fall, Susan quickly tried to smooth things over with an awkward laugh.

"Oh dear, I shouldn't have run my mouth. Raymond's a good son. Didn't he just say he'd buy you gold earrings the other day? You must be worried about misplacing them, right?

"Seriously, Beatrice, you've been frugal your whole life. It's time to start living a little."

I left Susan's house in a daze and ended up at the farmers' market. From a distance, I spotted Vivian's mother, Shirley Hunter, dressed as eye-catching as a peacock, chatting with a vendor.

She was laughing so loudly it seemed like she wanted everyone to know how good her life was. "Oh, this bracelet? My son-in-law had it made for me two days ago! It's made of a third of an ounce of solid gold! He really is so thoughtful!"

I lowered my head to look at my old, patched-up pants and worn-out shoes. Then, I touched my earlobe, feeling nothing but my pierced holes.

The earrings I was promised were a tenth of an ounce of gold, while Shirley's bracelet was a third of an ounce.

I scoffed in anger and called Raymond.

"Raymond, I passed by that jewelry store and saw that pair of earrings again. I really like them. Has gold gotten cheaper these days?"

His impatient voice came through the phone.

"No, it hasn't gotten cheaper! All you ever do is ask for things. I'll buy them for you in a couple of days, alright?"

Before I could respond, the line went dead. I waited with a smirk on my face.

"Calculating… 30,000 dollars for gold earrings has been credited."

It wasn't good to go back on one's word. If I didn't teach him that before, then I should teach him now.

I turned to leave, but I was stopped by Shirley.

"Well, if it isn't Beatrice! You raised your son so well! He's not only polite but also generous with gifts. He's certainly a capable man!"

She happily fiddled with her bracelet. "Look at this shine and craftsmanship. Isn't it exquisite? Where are the earrings your son got you? Why aren't you wearing them?"

I gave a mysterious smile. "The earrings are still on their way over."

"Oh, so you got them online? They're probably not going to be as legit as the ones from a physical jewelry store like my bracelet."

She continued with a sideways glance, "But since the ones online are cheaper, they suit you better. Also, I heard from Raymond that you're not going abroad with them."

Acting all sympathetic, she said, "You don't have to be too upset. I'll be there to watch over them for you. They said they'd only feel at ease if I went with them, you know.

"Anyway, you sure are one tough cookie, Beatrice. I can't believe you're still okay after a stroke! You'll probably do just fine on your own, right?"

I kept my smile intact, but I was close to grinding away my remaining teeth.

Didn't Raymond say his new place was too small to bring me along? Then how could it fit Shirley, who had a much larger frame than I?

It turned out that he was so busy being a good son-in-law that he couldn't care less about his own mother.

Shirley walked off smugly, like a cocky hen that had come out on top.

I called Raymond immediately, but he didn't pick up. With no other option, I called Vivian. After hearing everything I had to say, she dropped her act altogether.