You forgot to invite us to the party
Roxane loved her husband deeply. She felt incredibly lucky to have him. Vincent was a caring, affectionate man, always ready to do his best for his beloved.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck dwindled. People often say theres a black sheep in every clan. In Vincents case, it seemed the opposite: he appeared to be the only normal one while the rest were all odd.
Take his fatherinlaw, for instance. Every time he saw Roxane he commented that she had grown rounder and might be hiding someone in her belly.
Roxane, though, was in perfect shape and hadnt put on a single gram since meeting her inlaws. Still, PierreAlain didnt seem bothered. The remark was part of his usual banter, and even if Roxane had lost ten kilos, he would never miss the chance to point it out.
He also had a habit of making tactless jokes that left Roxane uncomfortable. She always felt extremely embarrassed around him, and his tendency to stroll around the house shirtless didnt help.
Vincents mother, IsabelleAndrée, loved to lecture everyone, even on subjects she barely understood.
She would tell Roxane how to dress fashionably, what 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 correctly.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree woman with two children from different fathers, with whom Nathalie (her name) had never maintained 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 cut in line, serving her before anyone else.
Although she received child support from the childrens fathers, collected benefits, and lived off her parents, Nathalie was constantly on the hunt for freebies. Even items she didnt need, she snatched up with a sort of glee. Consequently, the apartment was littered with packs of diapers no longer used, piles of unnecessary clothes, toys, and other junk that Roxane hoped to sell; half of it was superfluous, yet Nathalie claimed she was building a business: acquiring things for free, pretending to be poor and helpless, then reselling them.
Her children were illmannered and rude, but with a mother like hers they could not be expected to act otherwise. Whenever they visited someone, they immediately searched for tasty treats, grabbed everything within reach, and took other peoples belongings without asking. Nathalie never corrected them.
Roxane could still recall, with horror, the only time Vincents sister had come over with her kids for a housewarming. She offered a tea service that was clearly a freebie, and after they left there were no sweets left, a recent vase was broken, and chocolate stains appeared on the curtainsat least Roxane convinced herself it was chocolate.
So it wasnt surprising that, as her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite her husbands family. Otherwise the celebration would have been ruined: her fatherinlaw would make inappropriate comments, her motherinlaw would try to teach her life lessons, and Nathalie would beg for useless items for her children while they turned the flat upside down.
Roxane felt a twinge of guilt toward Vincent for the decision, but she hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to celebrate 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 now looks like a photoshoot studio. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be mad, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent sighed deeply and nodded.
Its just that being with them is really hard for me. For my birthday Id rather relax than stay on guard all the time, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to explain. Theyre difficult to live with.
Youre not angry?
No, not at all. Its your party, it should be exactly how you want it.
Roxane convinced herself again that her husband was the most wonderful man on earth. She kept thinking he must have been adoptedthat would explain everything.
She hadnt told her inlaws about the birthday, saying theyd be left out this time, and even asked Vincent not to mention it to them.
Nevertheless, they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the pretext of a professional matter and spoke too quickly.
See how your wife treats us! IsabelleAndrée shouted. Were not 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 decides. If we had a big feast, you would have been invited, of course.
Alright, I understand. Tell your wife were terribly offended!
The call ended, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He understood Roxane perfectly. Hed always been embarrassed by his relatives and didnt want her to feel the same discomfort.
He decided to stay silent so as not to spoil the celebration, promising to relay his mothers words after the party.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent presented Roxane with a bouquet and a spa voucher, knowing she had been exhausted that yearfirst the wedding, then the renovation, the move, and finally a heavy workload. She needed rest.
Guests started arriving in the afternoon. Roxane had gone all out: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, a flawless hairstyle. She felt happy and hoped the day would become a cherished memory.
She had no idea what was about to happen.
When everyone was settled, the doorbell 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 see a swarm of unwanted visitors.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw said, handing her a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
Chaos erupted instantly. Nathalies kids kicked off their shoes and rushed to the table. Her fatherinlaw remarked that Roxane had chosen the wrong size dress.
You should have taken one size up, he laughed.
Maybe you werent on the list, her motherinlaw added, I see you have guests, but apparently no room for us. My God, Roxane! You invite people but forget to clean the floor.
She wanted to say it was the grandchildren who made the mess but held back.
Her mood sank. The children immediately began shouting, seizing food with both hands, and rummaging through the cupboards for candy. The youngest started crying because there was no cake.
You could have bought a cake, look, Sébastien is disappointed! Nathalie scolded. Whats this, a perfume gift? Let me try it. Youll give me yours later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family take over the table, ask for plates, listen to his mother critique the meal, while his father made odd jokes.
Vincents patience snapped when Nathalie snatched an envelope full of cash from the buffet, thinking no one saw. It contained the monetary gifts.
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 to get an envelope, she apologized.
Vincent, dont pick a fight with Nathalie, dont ruin the evening, his mother scolded. Remind your wife its rude to forget to invite your family.
And tell her the right dress size, the fatherinlaw quipped, because, Roxane, all your curves are on display in that dress.
Thats enough! Vincent slammed the table so hard the children fell silent. Mother, father, Nathalie, its time to leave.
What?! his mother fumed. How dare you?
How dare you come uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your children behave so impolitely? Until you learn proper manners, you have no place here.
A scandal broke out. Roxane only sighed with relief once the uninvited guests were gone.
Unfortunately, her birthday was ruined. Even though friends and parents tried to lift her spirits, the atmosphere could not be restored.
The incident taught her a final lesson: she had truly chosen the right partnera man ready to defend her, even against his own family. Whatever happened, Roxane knew he would stay by her side. That was probably the best gift she could ever receive.
You’ve Forgotten to Invite Us to the Party!
