You forgot to invite us to the party
Roxane loved her husband deeply. She felt incredibly lucky to have him. Vincent was caring and affectionate, always ready to do his utmost for his beloved.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck was far less. Its often said theres a black sheep in every clan, but in Vincents line the opposite seemed true. He appeared to be the only normal one, while the rest were bizarre.
Take the fatherinlaw, for instance. Whenever he saw Roxane, he commented that she had gained some weight and hinted she might be hiding someone inside. In reality Roxane was in perfect shape and hadnt put on a single gram since meeting his parents. Yet PierreAlain didnt seem to mind; his remark was just part of his usual patter, and even if Roxane shed ten kilos, he would never let her forget it.
He also had a habit of making crass jokes that made Roxane extremely uncomfortable. She always felt embarrassed around him, and his tendency to stroll around the house shirtless only added to the awkwardness.
The motherinlaw, IsabelleAndrée, loved to lecture everyone, even on subjects she didnt master. She taught Roxane how to dress fashionably, which hairstyle to choose, which lipstick to wear. When Roxane and Vincent moved into their new flat, IsabelleAndrée unleashed a torrent of criticism, nosing into every corner and explaining how everything should have been arranged properly.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree woman with two children from different fathers, a man named Nathalie with whom she never maintained a serious relationship. She trailed her kids everywhere, expecting everyone to bend over backwards for her. She demanded the seat on public transport, the front of the line, being served first.
Although she received child support from the fathers, got benefits, and lived off her parents, Nathalie was always on the lookout for freebies. Anything she didnt need she snatched up, thrilled by the prospect of immediate acquisition. Thats why the apartment was packed with unused diaper packs, piles of unnecessary clothes, toysmost of it useless to her. She claimed to be building a business by taking things for free, pretending to be poor, then reselling them.
Her children were illmannered and brazen, but with such a mother it was no surprise. Whenever they visited someones home they immediately searched for tasty treats, grabbed anything within reach, and took others belongings without asking. Nathalie never put them in their place.
Roxane could only recall the one time Vincents sister showed up with her kids for the housewarming. She offered a tea service that was clearly a free find, and after they left there were no sweets left, a recent vase was shattered, and chocolate stains on the curtainsat least Roxane convinced herself it was chocolate.
So when her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite Vincents family. Otherwise the celebration would inevitably be ruined: the fatherinlaw would make inappropriate remarks, the motherinlaw would try to teach her, and Nathalie would beg for useless items while her children turned the flat upside down.
Roxane felt a little uneasy about the decision with respect to her husband, but hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to have my birthday at home. Ill invite my parents and a few friends.
Fine, Im on board. After all, we didnt decorate the apartment for nothing, right? he smiled.
Yes, exactly. It now looks like a photoshoot studio. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be upset, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent sighed deeply and nodded.
Im sorry, but its really hard for me with them. For my birthday I just want to relax, not be on guard all the time, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to justify. Theyre not easy to live with.
Youre not angry?
No, not at all. Its your party; it should go the way you want.
Roxane once again convinced herself that her husband was the most wonderful man in the world. She kept thinking maybe he was adoptedthat would explain everything.
She hadnt told her inlaws about the birthday, saying they would be left out this time, and even asked Vincent not to mention anything to them.
Nevertheless, they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the pretext of a professional matter and, speaking too quickly, blurted out:
This is how your wife treats us! IsabelleAndrée exclaimed. Were not welcome, is that it?!
Vincent tried to calm her. Mom, Roxane just wanted to celebrate with her parents and a few close friends. Its her birthday, she decides. If there had been a big feast, youd have been invited.
Alright, I understand. Tell your wife were terribly offended!
Her mother hung up, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He completely understood Roxane. Hed always been embarrassed by his relatives and didnt want her to feel the same discomfort.
He decided to stay silent so the party wouldnt be spoiled. He would tell her what his mother had said after the birthday.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent presented Roxane with a bouquet and a spa voucher. He knew she was exhausted that yearfirst the wedding, then renovations, the move, and a heavy workload. She truly needed rest.
Guests began arriving in the afternoon. Roxane had gone allout: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, flawless hair. She seemed happy and hoped the day would create lasting memories.
She had no idea what was about to happen.
When everyone was settled, the door rang.
It must be the cake, Roxane exclaimed, I completely forgot, I ordered it at the last minute.
She opened the door with a smile, only to be met by an unwelcome crowd.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw said, handing over a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
Noise erupted instantly. Nathalies children kicked off their shoes and rushed to the table. The fatherinlaw remarked that Roxane had chosen the wrong size dress.
You should have taken one size bigger, he laughed.
Maybe you werent on the list, the motherinlaw continued, I see you have guests, but apparently no room for us. My God, Roxane! You invite people but forget to clean the floor. She meant the kids had made a mess but held back.
Her mood soured. The children immediately began shouting, grabbing food with both hands, and rummaging through cabinets for candy. The youngest started crying, upset about the missing cake.
You could have bought a cake, look, Sébastien is disappointed! Nathalie scolded. And whats this, a perfume? Let me try it. Youll give me yours then.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family settle around the table, asking for plates, listening to his mother critique the meal, while his father made odd jokes.
Vincents patience finally snapped when Nathalie slipped an envelope full of cash from the buffet, thinking no one saw. It contained cash gifts.
Put that back where it belongs! Vincent barked.
What are you talking about? she blinked innocently.
I saw everything!
I was just adding money, I didnt have time for an envelope, she apologized.
Vincent, stop picking on Nathalie, dont ruin the evening, his mother scolded. Remind your wife its rude to forget to invite your family.
And tell her the right dress size, the fatherinlaw chuckled, because, Roxane, all your curves are on display in that dress.
Thats enough! Vincent slammed the table so hard the children fell silent. Mom, dad, Nathalie, its time to leave.
What?! his mother shouted. How dare you?
How dare you show up uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your children behave so impolitely? Until you learn proper manners, you have no place here.
A scandal broke out. Roxane finally breathed a sigh of relief once the unwanted guests were gone.
Unfortunately, her birthday was ruined. Even though friends and relatives tried to lift her spirits, the original atmosphere couldnt be recovered.
But there was a lesson: Roxane realized once more that she had chosen the right life partnersomeone ready to defend her even against his own family. No matter what, she knew he would always stand by her side, and that was probably the best gift she could ever receive.
You Forgot to Invite Us to the Party!
