You Forgot to Invite Us to the Party
Emily adored her husband. She considered herself incredibly lucky to have him. James was a thoughtful and loving man, always going out of his way to make her happy.
But when it came to his family, Emily wasnt so fortunate. People often say theres one black sheep in every family. Well, in Jamess case, it was the oppositehe was the only normal one, while the rest were downright peculiar.
Take his father, for instance. Every time he saw Emily, hed comment on how shed put on weight and ask if she was hiding a little someone in her belly.
Never mind that Emily was perfectly fit and hadnt gained an ounce since meeting Jamess parents. That didnt stop Arthur from making his usual remarks. Even if shed lost a stone, hed still say it.
He also had a knack for inappropriate jokes, which always left Emily cringing. And his habit of wandering around shirtless didnt help.
Jamess mother, Margaret, loved giving unsolicited adviceespecially on things she knew nothing about. Shed lecture Emily on fashion, hairstyles, or the right shade of lipstick. When Emily and James moved into their new flat, Margaret took it upon herself to inspect every corner, nitpicking and explaining how everything *should* have been arranged.
Then there was Jamess younger sister, a free-spirited woman with two kids from different fathers, none of whom Sarah had ever settled down with. She dragged her children everywhere, expecting special treatment as a mother. Seats on the Tube, skipping queues, being served firstshe demanded it all.
Despite collecting child support and benefits while living off her parents, Sarah was always hunting for freebies. Even things she didnt need, shed snatch up, claiming she was “building her business”taking handouts, pretending to be hard up, then selling them on.
Half the junk in her flat was uselessstacks of nappies her kids had outgrown (which Emily hoped to sell), piles of clothes, broken toys.
Her kids were badly behaved and cheeky, but with a mother like that, what could you expect? When visiting, theyd dig through cupboards for sweets, pocket whatever they fancied, and touch things without asking. Sarah never corrected them.
Emily still shuddered remembering the single time Sarah and her kids came over for their housewarming. Sarah gifted a chipped tea setclearly lifted from a charity shopand after they left, the snacks were gone, a brand-new vase was smashed, and chocolate smears (she hoped it was chocolate) stained the curtains.
So when her birthday rolled around, Emily decided not to invite Jamess family. Otherwise, her party would be ruined. His dad would make crude comments, his mum would lecture her, and Sarah would beg for freebies while her kids ransacked the flat.
She felt a little guilty but hoped James would understand.
“James, Id like to celebrate my birthday at homejust my parents and a few friends.”
“Fine by me,” he smiled. “We did decorate the flat nicely. Might as well show it off.”
“Yes, exactly! It looks like a magazine shoot now. But”
“But what?”
“Please dont be upset. I dont want to invite your parents.”
James sighed and nodded.
“Im sorry, but they make things difficult. On my birthday, I just want to relax, not be on edge.”
“I get it. No need to explain. They *are* a handful.”
“Youre not angry?”
“Not at all. Its your dayyou should enjoy it.”
Emily smiled, convinced once again that James was the most wonderful man alive. Sometimes she wondered if he was adoptedit would explain everything.
She hadnt told her in-laws about the party, saying they were keeping it small. She even asked James not to mention it.
But they found out. Margaret called Emilys mum to “discuss something work-related” and let it slip.
“So this is how your daughter treats us!” Margaret screeched. “Were not good enough, is that it?”
“Mum,” James tried to calm her, “Emily just wanted a quiet celebration with close friends. Its *her* birthday. If it were a big do, youd be invited.”
“Very well. But tell your wife were deeply hurt!”
She hung up, leaving James shaking his head. He understood Emily perfectly. Though hed never say it, hed always been embarrassed by his family. He wouldnt let them ruin her night, so he kept quiet, planning to tell her after the party.
The morning of her twenty-sixth birthday, James gave her flowers and a spa voucher. Shed had a tough yearwedding, renovating, moving, work stress. She needed pampering.
Guests arrived in the afternoon. Emily had gone all outdelicious food, a stylish outfit, flawless hair. She glowed, excited for a perfect evening.
Then the doorbell rang.
“Thatll be the cake!” Emily laughed. “Completely forgot I ordered it last minute.”
She opened the doorand froze. Standing there, uninvited, was Jamess entire family.
“Happy birthday, love!” Margaret said icily, thrusting a single rose at her. “Arent you going to let us in?”
Emily had no choice.
Chaos erupted instantly. Sarahs kids kicked off their shoes and lunged for the buffet. Arthur smirked at Emilys dress.
“Shouldve gone a size up,” he chuckled.
“Did you *forget* to put us on the list?” Margaret sniffed. “Seems theres room for everyone but us. Goodness, Emilyhosting guests with floors this dirty?”
(She didnt mention it was her grandkids tracking mud in.)
Emilys mood soured. The kids screamed, grabbed food with grubby hands, and raided the cupboards for treats. When the youngest didnt get cake fast enough, he wailed.
“You couldve bought a proper cake!” Sarah scolded. “Look how upset Oliver is! And is that perfume? Let me try it. You can give me your old ones.”
Emily stayed silent. James watched, jaw tight, as his family commandeered the table, demanded plates, criticised the food, and laughed at their own rude jokes.
But when Sarah pocketed an envelope of cash from the sideboardbirthday gifts from guestsJames snapped.
“Put that back!”
“What? I was just adding to it!” Sarah blinked innocently.
“I saw you!”
“James, dont pick on your sister,” Margaret chided. “And remind your wife its rude to exclude family.”
“And remind her about dress sizes,” Arthur grinned. “That ones hugging a bit *too* tight, love.”
“Enough!” James slammed the table so hard even the kids shut up. “Mum, Dad, Sarahtime to go.”
“What?!” Margaret gasped. “How dare you?”
“How dare *you* crash uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your kids behave like wild animals, Sarah? Until you learn some manners, youre not welcome here.”
A row erupted, but eventually, the unwanted guests left.
Emilys birthday was ruined. Though friends tried to lift the mood, the damage was done.
Still, there was a silver liningshed never been prouder of James. A man whod stand up for her, even against his own family. Whatever came next, she knew hed always have her back. That was the best gift of all.
