Embarassed

Embarrassed

I couldn't have been more embarrassed.  It had been a wonderful party to this
point, and then my daughter had to ruin it.  Although she was only twelve, I
had thought I had taught her better.  Maybe I should have written it off
because of her youth, but I was fuming mad.  I grabbed her hand and escorted
her out of the room.

Now Melissa had been smoking for some time, and I had absolutely no problem
with that.  She had leaned all about smoking etiquette and technique, but to
ask me for permission to smoke in front of my friends!  I could only wonder
what type of parent they thought I was.  This whole episode could tarnish my
image, and possibly ruin my career.  She had made our family look like common
white trash.  Returning after our discussion I hoped I could remedy the
situation.  

On my way out I grabbed one of my cigarette holders. The event was very formal
and most of my female guests were using holders.  Although not part of my
daily routine, it was appropriate here.  I really needed nicotine to calm me
down and one of the gentlemen offered me a light, and thinks began to settle
down.  The word of what had happened must have spread throughout the room as
all eyes were on me.  I waited for someone to make a comment, but everyone was
polite enough to say nothing.  

My daughter soon returned to the party.   I must say she looked very glamorous
in her flowing gown and elbow-length gloves.  Everyone was looking to see if
she was composed after our discussion, and she handled it beautifully.  Having
already loaded her own cigarette holder she walked to the nearest male guest
and asked for a light.  The feelings of embarrassment were quickly replaced by
pride.  I knew, as did my guests, that no twelve year old girl should have to
ask for permission to smoke.