You forgot to invite us to the party
Rebecca loved her husband dearly. She felt incredibly lucky to have him. James was a caring and loving man who always did his best to make his beloved happy.
However, Rebecca wasn’t as fortunate with her husband’s relatives. There’s a saying about a black sheep in every family, but with them, it seemed like James was the only normal one, and everyone else was peculiar.
For instance, her father-in-law would frequently remark that Rebecca seemed rounder every time he saw her, suggesting she might be expecting.
This was despite the fact that Rebecca was in great shape and hadn’t gained any weight since introducing herself to James’s family. Yet, Leonard wasn’t deterred by this. It seemed to be his standard joke, which he would probably make even if Rebecca lost a stone.
He also constantly made crude jokes and was often the only one laughing at them, which made Rebecca uncomfortable. His habit of walking around the house shirtless only added to her discomfort.
Her mother-in-law, Irene, loved to teach everyone something, even when she didn’t really understand the subject herself.
She’d advise Rebecca on how to dress fashionably, what haircut to get, and which lipstick to wear. When Rebecca and James moved into their new flat, Irene took the opportunity to criticize every aspect of their decor, explaining how things should have been done.
Then there was James’s younger sister, a flighty woman with two children by different fathers, with neither having any serious involvement in her life. She hauled her kids everywhere, expecting everyone around her to cater to her needs because she was a mother.
She was always on the hunt for freebies, believing that everything should be handed to her, even if she didn’t need it. Her home was cluttered with unnecessary items like packs of diapers that her children no longer required, clothes, and toys. She would collect things by pretending to be poor and then sell them.
Her children were unruly, but it wasn’t entirely their fault. With a mother like that, they couldn’t have turned out any other way. When they visited someone, they’d immediately hunt for snacks and take things without asking. Natasha never corrected them.
Rebecca vividly remembered the one time James’s sister visited their new place with her kids. She handed them a tea set, likely obtained for free, and by the time they left, there were no sweets left, a new vase was broken, and there was a smear of what she hoped was chocolate on the curtains.
So when Rebecca’s birthday approached, she was determined not to invite her husband’s family. She didn’t want her special day ruined by Leonard’s untimely jokes, Irene’s lectures, or Natasha begging the guests for surplus items. She hoped James would understand her decision.
“James, I want to have a quiet birthday celebration at home. I’ll invite my parents and a couple of friends.”
“That’s fine by me,” James smiled. “We’ve decorated the flat beautifully for occasions like this.”
“Yes, exactly. It looks like a studio for a photoshoot. But…”
“What is it?” James asked, concerned.
“Please don’t be upset, but I don’t want to invite your relatives.”
James sighed and nodded.
“I’m sorry, it’s just so hard to deal with them. I want to enjoy my birthday without any stress,” Rebecca confessed.
“I understand completely. They’re difficult to be around,” James replied.
“You’re not cross with me?”
“Not at all. It’s your day, it should be how you want it to be.”
Once again, Rebecca realized she had the best husband in the world.
Rebecca didn’t tell James’s parents about her birthday plans. She said they would celebrate quietly together and asked James not to mention anything.
Despite her efforts, the news leaked. Irene called Rebecca’s mother for professional advice, and her mother unintentionally let it slip.
– “So that’s how your wife treats us!” Irene shouted. “Not fitting for us, is it?”
“Mum,” James tried to calm her down, “Rebecca just wanted to celebrate with her parents and a few close friends. It’s her birthday, after all.”
“Oh, I see. Well, pass on the message that we’re deeply offended!”
As Irene hung up, James shook his head, understanding his wife’s predicament. He had always felt embarrassed by his family and didn’t want Rebecca to feel the same.
Thus, he decided not to spoil her day with this news, planning to inform her later.
On the morning of her twenty-sixth birthday, James gifted Rebecca a bouquet and a spa voucher. He knew how tired she had been with their wedding, the move, and work; she deserved some rest.
As guests began to arrive, Rebecca busied herself preparing a delicious lunch. It was evident she was happy and eagerly anticipated the day.
Little did she know the unexpected surprise awaiting her.
Once everyone was seated, there was a knock at the door.
“Must be the cake,” Rebecca jumped up. “I almost forgot and ordered it last minute.”
She opened the door with a smile, but it quickly disappeared. Standing there were the undesired guests.
“Happy Birthday, Rebecca!” said Irene, pursing her lips. She handed Rebecca a single rose. “Will you let us in?”
She had no choice but to step aside.
Suddenly the room filled with noise. Natasha’s children kicked off their shoes and rushed to the table. Leonard commented that Rebecca’s dress was the wrong size.
“You should have gone a size up,” he snickered.
“You must have forgotten to invite us,” Irene continued, “I see you have guests. But we weren’t on the list. Honestly, Rebecca! Inviting people and forgetting to wash the floors.”
Rebecca wanted to point out that her grandchildren had caused the mess, but she held her tongue.
As her spirits sank, the kids began to shout, grabbing food with their hands and rummaging through cupboards for sweets. One began to cry when he realized there was no cake.
“You could’ve gotten a cake; look, Eric’s upset!” Natasha criticized. “Oh, did you get perfume as a gift? Let me try it. You’ll give me your old stuff, right?”
Throughout this ordeal, Rebecca hadn’t said a word. James watched silently as his family settled in, with their demands for plates and critique of the food.
But James’s patience ended when he saw Natasha trying to slip an envelope of money from the table into her bag — it contained all the gifts.
“Put it back!” James barked.
“What are you talking about?” Natasha blinked innocently.
“I saw you!”
“I was just going to add some money in there, didn’t get an envelope,” she lied.
“James, don’t be hard on Natasha, it’s a party,” interjected his mother. “Maybe remind your wife about courtesy to family.”
“And tell her about appropriate dress sizes,” Leonard added with a laugh.
“Right!” James slammed his hand on the table, silencing the room, even the kids. “Mum, Dad, Natasha, it’s time for you to leave.”
“What?! How dare you?” his mother exclaimed.
“How dare you show up uninvited? How dare you disrespect my wife? And Natasha, how dare your kids behave so poorly? Until you learn some manners, you’re not welcome here.”
Naturally, a row ensued, and Rebecca felt relief only when the uninvited guests departed.
Her birthday had been spoiled, despite attempts from friends and her parents to cheer her up.
However, the day wasn’t without its silver lining; Rebecca was reassured she had chosen the right partner. A man who stood up for her, even against his own family. No matter what happened, she knew he would always be on her side. And that was the best gift she could ever receive.
