You Forgot to Invite Us to the Celebration
Rachel loved her husband dearly. She believed she was truly fortunate to have him. William was a caring and loving man who always tried to do everything for his beloved.
However, Rachel wasn’t so lucky with her in-laws. There’s a saying about having a black sheep in the family. In their family, it seemed like the opposite – William was the only normal one, while everyone else was quite peculiar.
Her father-in-law, for instance, would always comment on Rachel’s appearance, suggesting she’d gained weight and perhaps someone else was living in her tummy.
Rachel was in great shape and hadn’t gained a single pound since meeting William’s parents. But Leonard would still make his usual remarks, unfazed. It seemed like a standard line, and even if Rachel had lost ten pounds, he’d still say it.
He’d often make inappropriate jokes and laugh at them, making Rachel feel awkward. His habit of walking around the house shirtless only added to her discomfort.
Her mother-in-law, Irene, had a tendency to offer unsolicited advice, even on topics she didn’t understand. She’d critique Rachel’s fashion sense, tell her how to cut her hair, and what lipstick to wear. When Rachel and William moved into their own apartment, Irene intruded, criticizing and advising on the right way to set everything up.
Then there was William’s younger sister, Gemma, a flighty woman with two kids from different fathers, with whom she had no serious relationships. Gemma expected special treatment because she was a mother, like having seats offered on transport and being served first.
Despite receiving child support and benefits, and living off her parents, Gemma constantly sought freebies. She had a thrill for snagging things first, ending up with unneeded diapers, clothes, and toys, calling it her “business” – getting things for free and selling them later.
Her kids were unruly, but it wasn’t their fault given their upbringing. At visits, they’d grab things without asking and leave chaos behind. Rachel remembered when Gemma showed up for their housewarming, gifted a tea set she likely got for free, and left behind broken vases and stains she convinced herself were chocolate.
So when Rachel’s birthday approached, she decided against inviting William’s family to avoid spoiling it. She dreaded his father’s odd humor, his mother’s lectures, and Gemma’s requests, while her kids wreaked havoc.
Rachel felt a bit guilty towards William, but hoped he’d understand.
“Will, I want a small birthday celebration at home with my parents and a couple of friends.”
“Sure,” he agreed, “We didn’t decorate our apartment for nothing, right?” he smiled.
“Exactly, it looks like a photoshoot studio, only…”
“What is it?” he asked, concerned.
“Please don’t be upset… but I’d rather not invite your family.”
William sighed and nodded.
“I’m sorry, but they make it hard for me. On my birthday, I want to relax, not anticipate trouble,” Rachel admitted apologetically.
“I understand, no explanation needed. They are complicated.”
“You’re not mad?”
“Not at all. It’s your day, it should be as you want it.”
Again, Rachel realized she had the best husband. Sometimes she wondered if he was adopted, as that would explain a lot.
Rachel didn’t tell her in-laws about the birthday, saying she and William would spend it alone. William promised not to spill the secret.
Still, they found out. Irene rang Rachel’s mum, who accidentally revealed the occasion.
“How could your wife exclude us!” Irene yelled at William. “We weren’t welcome?”
“Mum,” William tried to calm her, “Rachel wanted a quiet celebration with her parents and close friends. It’s her decision on her day. If it were a big party, you’d have been invited.”
“Fine, but tell her we’re deeply offended!”
William shook his head after his mum hung up. He understood Rachel’s feelings. Though perhaps improper to admit, he felt a lifelong shame about his family and didn’t want Rachel to feel the same.
He decided not to ruin her birthday with this new drama.
On Rachel’s twenty-sixth birthday morning, William gave her flowers and a spa voucher, knowing how much she needed to unwind after the year – with their wedding, move, and stressful jobs.
That day, guests arrived. Rachel had cooked a wonderful meal, dressed up, styled her hair, visibly excited and anticipating a memorable day.
But she was unaware of what awaited her.
As everyone was settled, the doorbell rang.
“That must be the cake,” Rachel jumped up, “I forgot about it and ordered last minute.”
She opened the door with a smile that quickly faded. There stood the unwelcome visitors in full attendance.
“Happy Birthday, Rachel!” said Irene, extending a single rose. “Can we come in?”
Rachel had no choice but to step aside.
Chaos ensued. Gemma’s kids kicked off their shoes and darted to the table. Leonard commented on Rachel’s dress size again.
“You probably forgot to invite us,” continued Irene, “You’ve got guests but no sign of us among them. And goodness, Rachel! Guests are here, and you forgot to clean the floors.”
Rachel bit her tongue instead of pointing out it was Irene’s grandkids who’d muddied the floors.
Her mood sank. Gemma’s kids were loud, grabbing food with their hands and rummaging for sweets. The youngest cried when no cake was found.
“You could’ve gotten a cake for poor Sam!” Gemma criticized. “And what’s this, perfume? Let me try it. Pass me your old one then.”
Rachel said nothing. William watched silently as his family settled, demanded plates, heard Irene critique the food, and Leonard make bizarre jokes.
William’s patience snapped when he saw Gemma surreptitiously pocket an envelope full of cash gifts.
“Put it back!” William barked.
“What do you mean?” Gemma feigned innocence.
“I saw you take it!”
“I was just adding money, I didn’t have an envelope,” Gemma squirmed.
“Don’t nitpick at Gemma and ruin the evening,” Irene scolded. “Remind your wife it’s rude not to invite family.”
“And tell her about her dress size too,” chuckled Leonard, “Rachel, your dress shows all your curves.”
“Enough!” William slapped his hand on the table, silencing even the kids. “Mum, Dad, Gemma, you need to leave.”
“What?!” yelled Irene. “How dare you!”
“More like how dare you come uninvited? How dare you disrespect my wife? And Gemma, your kids are ill-mannered. Until you learn some manners, you’re not welcome here.”
Naturally, a row erupted. Rachel only relaxed when the uninvited guests finally drove away.
Her birthday was spoiled, despite friends and family trying to mend the mood. But there was a silver lining: Rachel once again felt affirmed in her choice of partner. William was a man who stood up for her, who would even confront his own family. No matter what happened, Rachel knew he would always be by her side. And maybe that was the best gift she could have received.
