You forgot to invite us to the party
Roxane loved her husband deeply; she felt lucky to have him. Vincent was caring and affectionate, always ready to give his best for the woman he adored.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck seemed to vanish. People often say theres a black sheep in every clan, but in Vincents case it was the opposite. He appeared to be the only normal one while the rest behaved oddly.
Take his fatherinlaw, for instance: whenever he saw Roxane he remarked that she had put on weight and might be hiding someone inside her. In reality Roxane was in perfect shape and hadnt gained a gram since meeting her inlaws, yet PierreAlain kept repeating the comment as part of his usual banter, even if she had shed ten kilos.
He also liked to make tactless jokes that made Roxane uncomfortable; she constantly felt embarrassed around him. His habit of strolling around the house shirtless didnt help either.
IsabelleAndrée, the motherinlaw, loved to lecture everyone, even on subjects she didnt master. She would tell Roxane what to wear, which hairstyle to try, which lipstick to pick. When Roxane and Vincent moved into their new flat, IsabelleAndrée unleashed a torrent of criticism, poking her nose into every corner and explaining how everything should have been arranged.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree woman with two children from different fathers, with whom Nathalie had never had a serious relationship. She dragged her kids everywhere and, as a mother, expected everyone to bend over backwards for hergiving up seats on public transport, letting her go first in line, serving her before anyone else.
Although she received child support, benefits, and lived off her parents, Nathalie was always on the hunt for free things. Even items she didnt need she grabbed, feeling a rush at the instant of acquisition. Her apartment was piled with packs of diapers the children no longer usedRoxane hoped to sell themstacks of useless clothes, toys. Roughly half of it was superfluous, yet she claimed to be building a business: collect for free, pretend to be poor, then resell.
Her children were illmannered and cheeky, but with such a mother they could not be otherwise. Whenever she visited someones house they immediately searched for treats, snatched anything within reach, and took others belongings without asking. Nathalie never put them in their place.
Roxane could still recall, with horror, the one time Vincents sister came over with her kids for a housewarming. She offered tea that was clearly a freebie, and after they left there were no sweets left, a recent vase was broken, and chocolate stains on the curtainsat least Roxane was convinced it was chocolate.
Therefore, as her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite her husbands family. Otherwise the celebration would 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 telling Vincent, but hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to spend my birthday at home. Ill invite my parents and a few friends.
Fine, I agree. After all, we didnt decorate the apartment for nothing, right? he smiled.
Yes, exactly. It looks like a photostudio now. But
What? he asked, worried.
Please dont be angry, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent sighed deeply and nodded.
Im sorry, but theyre just too hard for me. For my birthday Id rather relax than stay on guard all the time, Roxane said apologetically.
I get it, no need to explain. Theyre difficult people.
Youre not mad?
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 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 it to them.
In the end they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the guise of a professional matter and spoke too quickly.
Thats 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 can decide. If it had been a big feast, you would have been invited.
Alright, I understand. Tell your wife were terribly offended!
Roxanes mother hung up, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He understood Roxane perfectly. He had always been ashamed of his family and didnt want her to feel embarrassed.
So he kept quiet, deciding not to spoil the party. He would explain his mothers words after the celebration.
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 gone all out: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, flawless hair. She seemed happy and hoped the day would create lasting memories.
But she had no idea what was coming.
When everyone was seated, 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 a flood of uninvited guests.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw said sourly, handing over a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
Noise erupted instantly. Nathalies children took off their shoes and rushed to the table. The fatherinlaw announced that Roxane had chosen the wrong dress size.
You should’ve taken one size up, 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 plummeted. The children immediately began shouting, grabbing food with both hands, and rummaging through cabinets for candy. Then the youngest started crying because there was no cake.
You could have bought a cake, look how disappointed Sébastien is! Nathalie scolded. Whats this, a perfume gift? Let me try it. Youll give me yours later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family settle around the table, asking for plates, listening to his mother criticize 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 was watching.
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. Remind your wife its rude not to invite your family.
And tell her the right dress size, the fatherinlaw joked, 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 without an invitation? 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 erupted. Roxane finally exhaled a sigh of relief once the unwanted visitors were gone.
Unfortunately, her birthday was ruined. Despite friends and parents trying to cheer her up, the atmosphere never returned to what it had been.
The experience taught her a final lesson: she had indeed chosen the right partner. A man willing to defend her even against his own family. Whatever happened, Roxane knew he would always stand by herperhaps the greatest gift of all.
