Roxane loved her husband deeply, feeling lucky to have him. Vincent was a caring, affectionate man who always tried his best for his beloved.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck dwindled. People often say theres a black sheep in every clan, but in Vincents case it seemed the opposite: Vincent appeared the only normal one, while the rest were peculiar.
Take his fatherinlaw, who, whenever he saw Roxane, remarked that she had put on a few pounds and might be hiding a baby inside her belly.
In truth, Roxane was in perfect shape and hadnt gained a gram since meeting Vincents parents, yet PierreAlain never missed the chance to repeat the comment, even after she shed ten kilos.
He also habitually made insensitive jokes that made Roxane uncomfortable; she always felt uneasy around him. His habit of strolling around the house shirtless didnt help either.
Vincents mother, IsabelleAndrée, loved to lecture everyone, even on subjects she barely understood. She taught Roxane which fashions to follow, what hairstyle suited her, which lipstick to pick. When Roxane and Vincent moved into their new flat, IsabelleAndrée launched a barrage of criticisms, poking her nose 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 relationship Nathalie had never taken seriously. She dragged her kids everywhere, expecting everyone to bend over backward for hergiving up seats on public transport, letting her cut in line, serving her first.
Although she received child support from the childrens fathers and got benefits, she still lived off her parents and constantly hunted for free items. Even things she didnt need she would snatch, thrilled by the instant acquisition. Consequently, the apartment was stacked with unused diaper packs, piles of clothing, toyshalf of which were useless to her. She claimed she was building a business: collect for free, pretend to be broke, then resell.
Her children were illmannered and cheeky, but with such a mother they had no other model. Whenever they visited someones house they immediately searched for tasty treats, grabbed anything within reach, and took others belongings without asking. Nathalie never corrected them.
Roxane could still recall, with horror, the only time Vincents sister had come over with her kids for the housewarming. She offered tea that was clearly a freehanded service, and after they left there was no candy left, a recent vase was broken, and chocolate stains on the curtainsat least Roxane convinced herself it was chocolate.
So it wasnt surprising that, as her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite her husbands family. Otherwise the party would inevitably be ruined: the fatherinlaw would make inappropriate remarks, the motherinlaw would try to lecture her, and Nathalie would beg for useless items while her kids turned the flat upside down.
Roxane felt a twinge of guilt toward Vincent for this choice, but she hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to celebrate my birthday at home. Ill invite my parents and a few friends.
Alright, Im fine with that. After all, we didnt decorate the apartment for nothing, right? he smiled.
Yes, exactly. It looks like a photostudio now. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be angry, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent sighed deeply and nodded.
Sorry, but theyre just too hard for me. For my birthday Id rather relax than stay on guard all the time, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to justify. 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 alive. She kept thinking maybe he was adoptedthat would explain everything.
She hadnt told her inlaws about the birthday, saying theyd be left out this time, and even asked Vincent not to mention it to them.
Nevertheless, they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the pretext of a professional matter and spoke too quickly.
This is how our daughter treats us! IsabelleAndrée shouted. Were not 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 anyway.
Fine, I understand. Tell your wife were terribly offended!
His mother hung up, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He understood Roxane perfectly. Hed always felt ashamed of his relatives and didnt want Roxane to feel embarrassed too.
So he decided to stay silent and not spoil the celebration, promising to recount his mothers words after the party.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent presented Roxane with a bouquet and a spa voucher, knowing she was exhausted that yearfrom the wedding, the renovations, the move, and work overload. She desperately needed rest.
Guests began arriving in the afternoon. Roxane had pulled out all the stops: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, flawless hair. She seemed happy and hoped the day would create unforgettable memories.
She had no idea what was about to happen.
When everyone was settled, the doorbell rang.
That 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 a crowd of uninvited guests.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw said, thrusting a rose forward. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
The room erupted in noise. Nathalies children ripped off their shoes and rushed to the table. The fatherinlaw announced that Roxane had chosen the wrong dress size.
You should have taken a size up, he laughed.
Maybe you werent on the list, added the motherinlaw, 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 say her grandchildren had made a mess, but held back.
Her mood soured. The kids immediately began shouting, grabbing food with both hands, and rummaging through cupboards for candy. The youngest started crying, upset that there was no 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 later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family fill the table, asking for plates, listening to his mother critique the meal, while his father made odd jokes.
Vincents patience snapped when Nathalie slipped an envelope stuffed with cash from the buffet, thinking no one saw. It contained the monetary 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 to get 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 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 impolitely? Until you learn proper manners, you have no business 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 family tried to cheer her up, the earlier atmosphere was impossible to recover.
Nevertheless, a lesson emerged: Roxane realized once more she had chosen the right life partnersomeone ready to defend her, even against his own family. No matter what happened, she knew he would stand by her. That was probably the best gift she could ever receive.
You’ve Forgotten to Invite Us to the Party!
