The course? English 199.1: Interpreting Literature. The assignment? " Situation: A young woman/man takes her/his love interest to a family wedding. One significant adult (a parent, aunt, older sibling, etc) likes the boyfriend/girlfriend; another significant adult doesn't like the boyfriend/girlfriend. What happens? " The result?

It was bad enough that my tie was twisted under my collar. That was plenty annoying. But her mother brought discomfort to a whole new level. Nadia was holding my hand when she came over, but after that look of pure disgust, I very quickly found my own hand empty.
'Mother, you remember Joe?'
Nadia was trying so hard. She tugged lightly on a loose chocolate- coloured curl that had escaped her ponytail. I'd learned over the past 11 months that she only does that when she's nervous. I know it's mean, but at the time, my mind was screaming, Wear this stupid tie, woman, then maybe you'll understand that discomfort is worse than just your mother.
It seemed to take a long time for her mother's eyes to shift from Nadia's face up to my own. 'I'm familiar with the name.' What was that, bitterness? I'm still not sure, but her tone was definitely hostile. I did the polite thing; smiled and extended my hand. But I suppose she was temporarily blind. 'You're the bride's age, correct? As old as my other daughter?' She was definitely attacking me.
I cleared my throat. 'Two years older than Janine.'
'I see. Six year.' She said. And I use that word lightly. It was more of a spit. 'Here.' She practically shoved her plate of cookies at Nadia. 'I'm done with these, and I know you just love taking other people's leftovers.' She turned away so sharply that I thought her heel would snap.
Nadia's hand found mine again and I looked down at her. Her hazel eyes alone were enough to whisper an apology for her mother's behavior. A smile lit up her face. I grinned back, but realized she'd not been looking at me, but past me.
'Uncle Rob!' She called.
I turned around, surprised to see my co-worker standing there waving. His handshake was warm and friendly, more than compensating for her mother's snubbing my offer. 'Joe! I didn't know you and my niece were an item. How long've you guys been hiding this from me?' He joked.
We told him almost a year and the three of us shared a hearty laugh as his face captured pure amazement. 'Wow,' He gasped. He gave Nadia a kiss on the cheek and gestured to the buffet, where her mother stood. 'Food calls Rob.' He winked at us. 'But not as loudly as sister-in-law does.' He waved goodbye and galloped over to the buffet. He must have said something to her because I felt a death glare penetrating my back and shuddered.
Nadia asked how I knew 'Uncle Rob' and I told her I'd helped him move furniture in his store from time to time. Sure, I worked next door as an electrician, but he'd needed help and I couldn't say no. The lump in the back of my tie was really bothering me, so I slipped it over my head to straighten out the loop.
Before I could get the tie back on, Janine came over, looking simply radiant in her wedding gown. For a moment, I wondered if I'd done the right thing, breaking up with her and moving on to her sister. Nadia's arms briefly wrapped around my waist and she said something. I smiled at Janine and started to give her half a hug. My arm rose and I instead offered my tie. We had a good laugh. Pure evil hit my shoulder a second time and I turned, practically jumping a foot in the air. The girls' mother must have been only inches away from me, Rob next to her.
It could have been worse. From the five of us, I had Rob, who liked me, Nadia, who loved me, Janine, who loved her new husband but had once loved me, and then that one. I felt like Cinderella, needing to make piece with the wicked stepmother. I lifted my arm and draped it over her shoulders. Mustering up as much Prince Charming as I could, I asked, 'Would a beautiful woman accept a drink?' I waved my other arm towards the makeshift minibar.
She almost smiled.

And so that's that. Leave your thoughts and critiques, please review!