You forgot to invite us to the party
Roxane loved her husband deeply. She felt incredibly lucky to have him. Vincent was a caring and affectionate man, always willing to give his best for his beloved.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck dwindled. Theres a saying that every family has a black sheep. In Vincents clan, it was the opposite: Vincent seemed the only normal one, while the rest were oddballs.
Take his fatherinlaw, for instance. Whenever he saw Roxane he would comment that she had put on some weight and might be hiding someone in her belly.
Roxane, though, was in perfect shape and hadnt gained a gram since meeting his parents. Still, PierreAlain didnt seem bothered; the remark was just part of his usual patter, and even if Roxane had lost ten kilos he would never miss a chance to point it out.
He also had a habit of making insensitive jokes that made Roxane cringe. She always felt extremely uncomfortable around him, especially when he strutted around the house shirtless.
Vincents mother, IsabelleAndrée, loved to lecture everyone, even on topics she barely understood. She tried to coach Roxane on fashionable dressing, hairstyles, and the right shade of lipstick. When Roxane and Vincent moved into their new flat, IsabelleAndrée unleashed a torrent of criticism, sticking her nosy nose into every corner and explaining how everything should have been arranged properly.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree young woman with two children from different fathers, whom Nathalie never took seriously. She shuffled her kids everywhere and, as a mother, expected everyone to bend over for her. She demanded a seat on public transport, the right of way in lines, and priority service at meals.
Although she received child support and benefits and still lived off her parents, Nathalie was constantly on the lookout for free stuff. Anything she didnt need, she would snatch up, feeling a rush of excitement at the instant acquisition. Consequently, the apartment was littered with packs of diapers no longer used, piles of unnecessary clothes, and toys. Half of these items were superfluous to her, but she claimed to be building a business by collecting free goods, playing the poor, then reselling them.
Her children were illmannered and brazenunsurprising given such a mother. Whenever they visited someones house, they immediately grabbed tasty treats, took whatever was within reach, and stole items without asking. Nathalie never put them in their place.
Roxane dreaded the one time Vincents sister had shown up with her kids for a housewarming. She offered tea that was obviously free, and after they left there were no sweets left, a recently bought vase was broken, and chocolate stains on the curtainsat least Roxane was convinced it was chocolate.
So when her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite Vincents family. Otherwise the celebration would inevitably be ruined. Her fatherinlaw would make inappropriate remarks, her motherinlaw would try to teach her about life, and Nathalie would beg for useless items for her children while they turned the apartment upside down.
Roxane felt a little uneasy about the decision with her husband, but hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to celebrate my birthday at home. Ill invite my parents and a few friends.
Fine, I agree. After all, we didnt decorate the flat for nothing, right? he smiled.
Yes, exactly. It now looks like a photoshoot studio. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be angry, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent let out a deep sigh and nodded.
Sorry, but being with them is really hard for me. For my birthday I just want to relax, not stay on guard all the time, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to explain. Theyre difficult to live with.
Youre not mad?
No, not at all. Its your party; it should be exactly how you want it.
Roxane once again convinced herself that her husband was the most wonderful man on earth. She kept thinking maybe he was adoptedthat would explain everything.
She hadnt mentioned the birthday plans to her inlaws, telling them theyd be left out this time, and even asked Vincent not to tell them anything.
Nevertheless, they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the pretense of a professional matter and spoke too quickly.
See how your wife treats us! IsabelleAndrée shouted. Were not even welcome, is that it?!
Mom, Vincent tried to calm her, 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. He had always felt embarrassed by his family and didnt want Roxane to be uncomfortable because of them.
So he decided to stay silent and not spoil the party. He would tell her his mothers words after the birthday.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent gave Roxane 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 a break.
Guests began arriving in the afternoon. Roxane had pulled out all the stops: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, a flawless hairstyle. She looked happy and hoped the day would create lasting memories.
She had no idea what was coming.
When everyone was settled, the doorbell rang.
The cake must be here, Roxane exclaimed, I completely forgotI 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 announced, handing her a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
Chaos erupted instantly. Nathalies children took off their shoes and ran to the table. The fatherinlaw remarked that Roxane had chosen the wrong dress size.
You should have taken one size up, he laughed.
Maybe you werent on the guest list, her motherinlaw added, 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 to blame the kids for the mess but held back.
Her mood soured. The children immediately started shouting, grabbing food with both hands, and rummaging through cupboards for candy. The youngest began to cry, upset that there was no cake.
You could have bought a cakelook, Sébastien is disappointed! Nathalie scolded. Whats this, a perfume gift? Let me try it. Youll give me yours later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family take over the table, request plates, hear his mother critique the food, and his father make odd jokes.
Vincents patience 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 just wanted to add money, I didnt have time for an envelope, she apologized.
Vincent, dont pick a fight with Nathalie, dont ruin the evening, his mother scolded him. Remind your wife that its rude to forget to invite your family.
And tell her the right dress size, the fatherinlaw snickered, 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 protested. How dare you?
How dare you show up uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your children behave so impudently, Nathalie? Until you learn to behave properly, you have no business being here.
A scandal erupted. Roxane finally exhaled only after the unwanted guests were gone.
Unfortunately, her birthday was ruined. Even though friends and parents tried to lift her spirits, it was hard to recover the earlier atmosphere.
But there was a lesson: Roxane realized once more that she had chosen the right life partnera man ready to defend her even against his own family. No matter what happened, she knew he would always stand by her. That was probably the best gift she could ever receive.
You Forgot to Invite Us to the Party!
