Missing In Paris

Chapter 11

Seconds seemed to pass like minutes, as Neela absorbed the reality of a big ol' fashioned Indian-Canadian family reunion in Paris.

The way her older sister would call her out every chance she got.

The way her mom would complain about everything, while intermittently studying Neela's face-size and telling her she'd been eating too many croissants.

The way her dad would arrive in Paris and feel homesick for Indian food in approximately 3.2 seconds.

And the way her mom and dad would be totally scandalized when they found out she'd gotten engaged and would be staying in France for good.

"Aren't you excited?" Dad said, as Neela played out the horrifying scenarios in her head. When she didn't respond his expression darkened. "Don't you miss us?"

This latest question finally registered with Neela. "Of course I miss you. But I already told you I had a Google Alert for cheap flights; if you had waited you probably could've gotten something cheaper."

In reality there was no Google Alert to speak of. Just a steady and committed repulsion to having her family ever visit.

"How long were we supposed for a cheap flight?" Dad said. "We haven't seen you since Christmas. And anyway, these tickets are non-refundable so we are coming."

This one simple word, 'non-refundable,' made her grip the nearest throw pillow so hard she almost ripped into the stuffing. "So when is this trip even happening?" she asked, her voice sounding quiet and defeated.

Dad couldn't help but grin. "We leave in four weeks!"

"What is that?" Mom said sharply, a random interruption topped off with a glare. Her face was now crawling with accusation as she poked at the screen with her finger.

Neela was genuinely baffled. "What's what?"

"Behind you," Mom replied. "Hanging on the sofa. Those are dress pants. For a man."

Neela immediately jerked her head around.

And there it was.

A pair of pants.

Luc's pants.

Luc's pants in recently-worn disarray.

Trying her best to stay totally chill, she turned back around towards the screen. "Fashion week!" she sputtered.

Neela seemed as surprised by the random proclamation as her parents.

"What does this fashion week mean?" Mom said, her expression as suspicious as ever.

"I'm writing an article for fashion week!" Neela exclaimed. Her parents' blank stares made it clear that she needed to elaborate. "The Paris fashion show! And for next winter, the new trend for women is to wear men's pants. They gave me a sample." She shrugged dismissively. "It's not really my favourite style though."

Mom shook her head in disapproval. "This white people fashion; it's too crazy."

Neela nodded firmly in agreement. "Yep...those crazy white people."

The topic shifted from there and Neela couldn't help but feel proud of herself.

Until she noticed Luc glaring from the bedroom doorway...

***

A couple of hours after the call, Luc was in the bedroom ironing the controversial man-pants, his creases annoyingly exact.