Chapter 4: Uncomfortable Conversations

Sunday morning, a day before school started, the atmosphere in the house was a curious mix of anticipation and nervous energy. As I went about my morning routine in my nightgown with a long shirt over it, I could hear Eliana moving around in what used to be my sister’s room. Her cheerful voice occasionally drifted out as she chatted on the phone about various things she’d read about American culture.

Determined to find a way to make our new living arrangement more comfortable, I decided it was time to address a sensitive subject: her wearing something to school tomorrow. It’s bad enough to be a freshman in a huge high school, completely lost. It’s another thing to show up on the first day with a foreign exchange student who could be arriving with nothing but her unusual customs. That would be completely horrifying, especially to those I knew from last year’s middle school.

After breakfast, when the house was relatively quiet, I approached Eliana. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, flipping through a brochure about local attractions with an eager curiosity. I took a deep breath and broached the topic.

“Hey, Eliana,” I began tentatively, “I was thinking ... Would you be interested in wearing some of my sister’s clothes while you’re here? It might be more comfortable for you, especially since it’s pretty cold.”

Eliana looked up, her expression shifting from curiosity to mild confusion. “Your sister’s clothes why would I do that”

I took another deep breath, trying to keep my tone light. “Well, it could help you adapt to the local climate and customs a bit more smoothly. I thought it might be easier for you if you wore some clothes while you’re here.”

Eliana’s face fell slightly as she shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t. According to the strict agreement her parents signed before my government approved to even travel here, I am not allowed to wear any clothes at all while I’m here in the United States. It’s a requirement to ensure that I adhere to my cultural practices, even abroad here.”

Her words hit me like a splash of cold water. I glanced at my parents, who had entered the room just in time to hear the end of our conversation. Mom’s gaze lingered on me longer than I liked, making me feel uncomfortable. Then she said, “Sophia, we can’t offer her any of Maddie’s clothes since all of her things have either been tossed or donated. We had to make those arrangements to prepare for her arrival. We know how stressful the first day of high school can be, but we have to respect the terms of the agreement we signed.”

I stared at her, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks. “Oh? I didn’t realize it was so strict. I guess we’ll have to find another way to make this work.”

Eliana’s expression softened and she gave me a reassuring smile. “I appreciate your concern, Sophia. I’m sure I can manage. It’s just a matter of getting used to the new environment and its customs.”

Just then, Eliana remarked, “According to my parents, when your sister arrived in Kalvovia, she stepped off the plane with nothing on! My parents were so excited to see her embrace our customs right away.”

The sudden shift in the conversation took me by surprise. I blinked, trying to process the new information. The image of my sister, Madeline—always so careful and reserved—stepping off a plane in a foreign country without a stitch on was almost inconceivable. I felt a mix of disbelief and odd pride. Was this my sister? Had she embraced their customs so fully?

Mom seemed amused but not entirely surprised. “Well, your sister is quite the adventurer. She’s always been open to new experiences,” she said with a chuckle.

I managed a weak smile. “I guess that’s one way to put it. It sounds like she’s handling things well, though.”

Eliana nodded enthusiastically. “It’s fascinating to see how she adapts and embraces everything so quickly. I’m sure she’s having a great time.”

The conversation lightened the mood, and the awkwardness from earlier began to dissipate. As I continued peeling vegetables, I felt a newfound sense of camaraderie forming with Eliana. Despite the challenges and unexpected moments, we were finding our rhythm, and that was something to be grateful for.