Jojie Rivera, Eli's mom, came forward and held Belle's arm. She led her to the living room and started chatting with her to avoid the awkward silence. "I'm glad that you have come. I was really looking forward to see you but Eli is so stingy with your time," she said and turned Eli to throw a sharp glare at him.
"Mom, you know that she's recovering. You can't disturb just come and disturb her rest."
"Look who's talking? Instead of taking care of her, you forced her to review that boring stuff about nursing and whatnot! You're impossible!"
"Ma'am, Eli was -"
"Just call me Auntie Jo."
Belle smiled and nodded her head in agreement but she didn't say anything. She wasn't ready to call her that knowing that they were just deceiving the woman.
"Come! Come! Neon told me what you like to eat and I cooked them with him. My husband will be home for lunch so, we can have a meal together. Do you mind tasting them for me?"