The Bride Forgot How to Say “Thank You”
“Emma, do you have anything to eat?” asked Rachel, rushing around. “I’m starving and in a hurry. There’s so much to do today. It’s March 8th, after all. My friends are waiting for me; we’re going to the club tonight.”
“Indeed, it’s a special day. Our day. This is for you, dear. Congratulations!” Emma handed Rachel a charming little box containing the bracelet Rachel had dreamt of for years.
She could never manage to buy it for herself. Her paycheck always seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. She constantly needed to buy a new jacket, get her hair done, or go out with friends. After all, why deny oneself small pleasures?
Emma knew about Rachel’s wish and took delight in making her happy. She considered Rachel like family, especially since Emma always dreamt of having a daughter in addition to her grown son. When Alex brought Rachel home as his girlfriend, it almost felt like a wish fulfilled. Emma adored her and spoiled her terribly.
Emma loved this delicate girl not because Rachel was particularly special or immensely kind, just because Emma was like that. She adored her son, which meant she embraced everything related to him. Rachel had been dating him for three years, and Emma, as a good future mother-in-law, tried to welcome her into the family as one of their own.
However, one thing Emma didn’t anticipate was that people can sometimes be self-serving, and they quickly get used to being treated well. When you do a lot for someone, they start to expect it. They forget to show gratitude and eventually think it’s completely normal to receive everything on a silver platter.
Rachel had become accustomed to this generosity from day one.
Emma and her husband, Jim, had just moved to a beautiful house outside the city. A few weeks into their acquaintance, they invited Rachel to stay overnight. From that day on, Rachel unofficially moved into Alex’s room, without asking permission from either her boyfriend or his family, as if it were all understood.
No one seemed to mind, but Alex’s parents did sometimes desire to spend time alone, or perhaps just with their son, their family. However, that opportunity had vanished.
Rachel found it much more comfortable in their house than in her small flat with her mum and grandma. The house was beautifully renovated, with everything needed for a comfortable life. The fridge was always stocked with a variety of foods, ready meals, and the place was spotless, thanks to Emma, who joyfully managed it all herself.
Rachel was included in everything, even visits to Emma’s friends in nearby towns. Emma’s friend, Alice, always welcomed them warmly with delicious dinners, comfy beds, and fun activities, which Rachel also enjoyed. She was indeed like a family member.
Everyone in Alice’s family grew fond of Rachel. In those three years, she even managed to go on two free trips to the seaside and a bunch of other excursions without ever offering to chip in, despite having a good job. She didn’t even buy groceries, not even a cake for tea.
To an outsider, Rachel might seem comfortably settled within this generous and hospitable family.
Yet, neither Emma, her husband, nor Alex imagined anything negative about Rachel. She was always lively, straightforward, and open. None of these thoughts crossed Emma’s mind until that fateful day, March 8th.
On that day, Emma and Alice planned to celebrate alone, so Alice came to town. They booked a luxurious hotel room that included a pool, spa complex, and massages in honor of the occasion. Guests were allowed, but only until 11 p.m.
The friends were having a great time, laughing and chatting over champagne about everything under the sun.
This bliss was unexpectedly interrupted… by none other than Rachel. Surprisingly, yet true.
“Emma, hello. Alex mentioned you’re at the spa today. Can I drop by for a bit?”
Emma was caught off guard. She thought two grown women, best friends, were entitled to spend some time together. Finally away from the monotonous routine of household chores and responsibilities, leaving husbands and kids behind (Alice had three, by the way). Why invite anyone else? They were enjoying themselves perfectly well, thank you very much.
But refusing Rachel seemed wrong and awkward.
“Sure, come over,” she replied, confused.
“Are we expecting someone?” Alice asked, surprised.
“Yes, Rachel’s stopping by for a bit.”
“Really? Well, I brought a gift for her. I was going to leave it with you, but I can give it in person.”
“Mine’s with me too. I planned to give it to her at home… but okay.”
Fifteen minutes later, Rachel was at their door.
“Oh, it’s lovely here! So fancy. Is the spa open? I’ll go, I don’t have much time.”
She quickly donned a white robe and went off to relax.
Emma and Alice exchanged puzzled glances but shrugged and resumed their interrupted conversation. Shortly after, their sumptuous dinner, which included oysters, mussels, exotic fruits, and all sorts of gourmet dishes, was delivered. It was a day to indulge with abandon.
While they relished their meal, Rachel returned.
“What have you got here? Delicious, mmm…” She unabashedly joined in.
Emma and Alice felt a bit awkward again but carried on without mentioning it.
Emma decided to break the tension and gave Rachel her gift.
“Oh, great! I wanted just this!” she mumbled, finishing her oyster.
Alice also congratulated Rachel, kissing her cheek.
But there was nothing in return. No thanks, no warm wishes, as if March 8th was solely her special day.
“Alright, I’ve got to go. The girls are waiting, and I need to stop by home, wash my hair, and change.”
“Rachel, did you know that Alex is waiting for you at home? You didn’t see him earlier, but now?”
“He mentioned it. But I told you, my friends are expecting me. They’ve booked a table in the club. I want to have fun with them tonight.”
“He’s prepared a dinner for you. And a gift. You’ll love it, you’ll see.”
Emma had discussed the gift with her son beforehand. She bought the bracelet, and Alex, saving for a few months, got matching earrings. It was a dream come true for Rachel, something she never even expected. But seeing her lukewarm reaction, Emma felt disheartened. Perhaps Rachel anticipated something else, or maybe she just forgot how to be thankful.
The latter seemed more likely. The family had perhaps spoiled her so much she saw everything as merely given.
“Rachel, why don’t you spend a bit of time with Alex? He went to a lot of effort for you,” Emma asked gently, “He’ll take you to the club and pick you up later.”
“It’s alright. I’ll see him in the morning. Friends have invited us to go quad biking tomorrow, and I’ve been wanting to do that for ages.”
“And the dinner? The gift?”
“He can eat the dinner himself. I’ll pick up the gift tomorrow.”
Rachel left as abruptly as she had arrived. She didn’t greet nor gift Emma or Alice for the occasion before heading off to her fun night. Instead of spending it with someone who cherished her, she chose to party elsewhere. In that instant, everything fell into place for Emma.
Silence loomed in the room.
“Emma, I don’t mean to say, but—”
“Yes, I see it now. I know I’ve partly done this to myself. I’ve given so much to this girl that she’s forgotten how to say ‘Thank you.’ But she’s become quite adept at taking advantage of folks.”
The friends decided to keep their spirits high and not let Rachel’s tactless behavior spoil their evening.
Meanwhile, the next morning promised a serious chat between Alex and his mother…
