Emma grabbed my hand.
She said earnestly, "Erasmo has never done housework. Madeline, you'll have to work hard from now on."
I smiled slightly.
I said, "Emma, no one is born knowing how to do housework. Don't worry, Erasmo is smart. He'll learn quickly."
Seeing that I wasn't playing along, she was furious.
I realized then that she was trying to test me. No wonder she didn't want my parents there. She wanted to see how much I would put up with.
I loved Erasmo, so as long as he treated me well, it would be fine.
Thus, I turned a blind eye to her odd behavior.
But just when things seemed to settle down, she started up again.
Emma gave me a shrimp, telling me to eat more.
Erasmo knew I was allergic to seafood, and he had told his parents.
So, she was doing this on purpose.
When I hesitated to pick up the shrimp, Erasmo nudged me.
He whispered, "My mom gave it to you, just eat it. Why are you being so difficult?"
I said, "Sorry, I'm allergic to seafood. I can't eat it."
Emma stared at me like I'd committed some terrible crime.
Erasmo furrowed his brow.
He whispered angrily, "It's just an allergy. Eat it already. Everyone's watching."