Elite Class
A bright smile settled on Elaine’s face as she stepped into a building with her hand wrapped around the arm of her mother-in-law. Their heels clicked with each step they took as they made their way deeper into the building.
“You’re going to like it here, honey. You do know that cooking brings us women together, right?” Mrs Romano stated.
“I guess so. I hope I enjoy this class.” Elaine was looking further into the cooking class that she was about to have with her mother-in-law. The older woman had convinced her to join her in her cooking lessons. According to her, it was fun and it was a place where women got to catch up with each other’s stories.
It was called the Elite cooking class, meant for the elite women of the city. From the cultured laughter that reverberated in the building, Elaine could tell that it indeed lived up to its name of elite cooking class. She could tell it was a place where jobless housewives spend their time, gossiping and talking about each other’s successes and failures.
“My friends all spend their time here. Margaret even, so be rest assured, there’s premium gossip here.”
“Mother, I don’t gossip.”
That was a big fat lie. But the older woman didn’t need to know, right? Considering that she had no intention of gossiping about or with the other women.
Finally, their feet stopped in front of a large double door and without bothering to knock, Mrs Romano pushed the door open, revealing the large hall before them. Elaine gasped, her eyes taking in the scene before her. In the middle of the hall, laid a circle kitchen table that stretched from the start of the hall to almost the end.
At the side of the table were sofas where the women sat, discussing with each other. A few of them stood when their eyes fell on them.
“Mother.” Margaret made her way toward them and hugged her mother, not sparing a glance at Elaine.
“How are you, my dear.”
“I’m doing alright.” Her eyes finally fell on Elaine who was beside her mother and her smile flattered. “You really brought her with you? I don’t understand you mother.”
“Don’t be mean. Say hi.”
Rolling her eyes, she forced a “hi.” And continued.
“I see no reason why you have to bring her here. She doesn’t belong here.”
By passing her daughter with Elaine beside her, Mrs Romano headed toward the other women who also stood up to hug her.
“We’ve been waiting for your humble arrival, Mrs Romano. It’s a good thing you’re here now.”
“Thanks, Kate.”
“Is this your daughter-in-law?”
Everyone’s eyes fell on Elaine who immediately felt uncomfortable. She bowed her head a little in greeting as the eyes of the women scrutinized her from her hair that was tied in a wrapped bun, to her green sundress and down to her flat shoe-covered legs. It was uncomfortable having so many eyes on her. She forced a smile.
“I’ve heard a lot about you all. Please treat me well.”
Kate gasped, stepped forward, and grabbed Elaine’s palm in hers. “Treat you well? I wonder who wouldn’t dare treat the wife of such a prestigious man well? I’m not that dark-hearted. Welcome to the cooking class.”
“Thank you.”
“Anyway, I’m Kate.” The woman stretched her hand forward for a handshake. Grabbing the short blonde girl beside her, she continued. “This is Monalisa, my daughter. You see? She’s so pretty. Let me tell you a secret.” She leaned further to Anna’s side. “Mr Romano was once head over heels with her. Ask around if you don’t believe.”
Elaine’s eyes popped wide in surprise, her eyes scanning the short blonde girl who only passed her a glare and looked away. She flinched when she saw the other women push their way forward to her side and begin a side of their own story.
“She doesn't know. Your husband was also a fan of my daughter.”
“It’s my daughter. I remember Mr Romano knocking on my door several times and begging to see my daughter like she meant the entire world to him.”
She sighed. Goodness gracious. Just how many girls Xavier had before her. He better pray that she gets out of the class in a good mood, otherwise, he would be at a loss for words when she gets done with him.
“It’s enough,” Mrs Romano chimed in. “We’re here for a class and not to talk about my son.” But the women were relentless in their gossip, they turned their attention to Margaret and interrogated.
“Where is your daughter-in-law, Margi? Did she give birth already?”
Margaret giggled and waved it off with her hand. “Ria is heavily pregnant. She couldn’t make it to such a crowded place. Our heir is yet to be born.”
“Let’s begin already.” Mrs Romano again changed the subject. “Come, Elaine, I’ll introduce you to the cooking instructor.”
She grabbed Elaine’s palm and led her forward to the woman who sat all alone on a small couch. “Rita.”
The woman rose at the sight of them. “Mrs Romano. Please come forward. I can’t welcome you more.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome. This is Elaine, my daughter-in-law.”
“She’s so beautiful. Hi Elaine, I’m Rita, your cooking instructor.” Rita stood up from her seat and stood on the platform, facing the other women. “Everyone, the class starts in three minutes. Please get behind your stoves.
The women stood up from the chairs they were sitting on and made their way to the large round table containing numerous stoves and cooking space for each woman. The table for sure took up almost half the hall. Mrs Romano led herself and Elaine to the other side of the table with her three friends beside her. They stood behind their stoves.
“We’ll be making Korean hot pot today. This is one of the most popular dishes in the world right now. Learning this would do lots of good, especially at business gatherings. Drag out your pots.”
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