NICOLE

Dinner begins, and it starts with a bang.

"Nicole," his mother begins, which is strange because during this past month, she's never once said a single word to me unless forced to. In fact, I'm pretty sure that this is the first time she's ever said my name. "What are your long-term plans? Did you go to college?"

I'm taken aback by her questions, but I answer them as best as I can. It's almost impossible to stay comfortable in a room full of people who are judging you from head to toe, ...