Jack has a very effective technique when he’s determined to get his way and he’s using it now staring at Suzannah, trying, she feels, to see into her soul. He doubtless can, of course, seeing as the very first day they met. He walked over to her and in that quiet yet confident way he had told her exactly what she was thinking.
“Look, Sure,” Jack says, in the soft, persuasive tone she’s never been able to resist, “we’ll only be borrowing it for two days. There’ll be no problem.”
Suzannah trembles inwardly. Jack wants to borrow her father’s car for the weekend while her parents are away, so they can take a group of friends to a party in a town 200 kilometres away. He won’t be insured to drive the car, and their no-doubt drunken friends will urge him on to drive ridiculously fast. He’s far from a safe driver.
“It’s not a good idea,” she resists weakly. “Imagine if we had an accident.”
“Suze. Trust me.” Again, the deep, warm look into her eyes and she’s near to giving in even though she knows she shouldn’t. She wants to please him. She’s about to agree when suddenly a small voice speaks up inside her.
“Suzannah,” the voice says, “you can’t allow this.” And she knows that for once she’s going to have to say no and do what’s right.
“No, Jack,” Suzannah says, surprised by how firm her voice sounds. “Just no.”
His eyes widen and he looks at her carefully. There’s a long pause and then his face breaks into a huge smile.
“Good girl,” he says, “you made the right decision,” and he kisses her gently on the forehead.
And with the warm kiss she knows that there is, after all, real hope for them.
12. What can we learn about Jack and Suzannah’s relationship?
A.Jack loves Suzannah deeply. |
B.Jack is dishonest to Suzannah. |
C.Jack controls Suzannah inwardly. |
D.Jack is respectful to Suzannah. |
13. How does Suzannah feel when she first hears Jack’s request?
A.Excited. |
B.Frightened. |
C.Surprised. |
D.Disappointed. |
14. Why is Suzannah finally able to turn Jack’s request down?
A.Because she loses her temper. |
B.Because she follows others’ advice. |
C.Because she listens to her feelings. |
D.Because she is tired of obeying Jack. |
15. What message does the author seem to convey in the text?
A.Honesty helps to promote love. |
B.Love should be selfless for lovers. |
C.Ups and downs make a good relationship. |
D.Being brave to say “no” is vital for lovers. |