Dad Eleanor has asked us not to come to the wedding. She says shell be embarrassed about her countryfolk.
How can that be, Val? Ive been waiting my whole life to see my daughter get married. She doesnt want to see us, shes ashamed whats happened?
Mum, Victor has asked me to marry him, can you believe it? Ive always dreamed of joining his family!
Valerie smiles at her daughter. Eleanor is smart and beautiful, and her parents have always supported her. After school she dreams of entering a modelling academy; her looks and figure would surely get her in.
But she needs money for the courses. Michael sells a few cattle and a handful of sheep, and the cash just covers the tuition. Eleanor hardly returns to the family farm; city life sweeps her up like a gale. She starts earning on her own, doing photo shoots and runway shows, and her parents are pleased that she is selfsufficient.
Victor is the only son of a senior executive, and his father never says no. Victors parents never meet Eleanor, and they never invite her to the city. They claim theyre always busy, jetting off abroad.
Valerie works as a cleaner at the local secondary school and often shows off photographs of her daughter to her colleagues.
Val, why doesnt Eleanor bring her fiancé over for us to meet? Is she embarrassed by us?
Oh, Al, Eleanor loves us both, dad and me.
When was the last time she visited? Does she even call?
She called last week; the wedding is coming up. We have to think about money for a gift and pick out a dress.
—
Eleanor, when will you and James arrive so we can meet? Dad wants to try his famous roast with his new soninlaw.
Mum, theres no point in trying anything James doesnt drink. We have no time to travel; were busy preparing for the wedding, theres so much to do.
Whens the wedding, dear? We still need to buy our outfits.
Mum, honestly dont come to the wedding. Think about it: James comes from a wealthy family, the whole high society will be there, and you youll be the only people still living on a farm. Youll look out of place, and youll feel out of your depth. Imagine how Ill feel.
All right, love, you wont see us.
Valerie cant find the words to tell her husband. He has been looking forward to the day hell see his beloved daughter in a wedding gown and wish her happiness. The house walls are covered with pictures of Eleanor; Michael remembers every date the photos were taken and often admires her beauty.
Dad Eleanor has asked us not to come to the wedding. She says shell be embarrassed about her countryfolk.
How could this be Val Ive waited my whole life for this day, to give my daughter away. Shes ashamed to face us whats happened?
Michael turns pale. Valerie offers him a glass of water; he has a heart condition.
Michael, dont worry. Well just skip it, its no big deal.
Later that night they have to call an ambulance because hes really upset.
You know what, Val? Well still go to the wedding and congratulate them. We have the right to be there! Shell see us.
Valerie doesnt want to go, but she cant stop Michael. Finding the wedding date and venue is easy; James is a public figure and the details are online. Valerie asks a friend at work to look it up because theres no internet at home.
She borrows a lovely dress from a friend, they buy Michael a new suit, and on the morning of the ceremony they drive to the city. They slip into the restaurant just as the reception is in full swing, guests cheering the newlyweds.
Valerie and Michael, bouquet in hand, quietly enter the hall. When the MC asks who else wants to toast the couple, Michael booms, We do!
The MC invites them to the front.
James and Eleanor, congratulations on your marriage! May you live long and happy, and may your children always remember their roots, who they are, and where they come from, honoring their parents without shame.
Michael sets the bouquet down on the table where the couple sits, takes his wifes hand, and steps out of the room.
James looks at Eleanor, puzzled.
Who are these people, Eleanor?
Theyre my relatives.
James catches up with Michael and his wife.
Stay here, dont leave! Eleanor said she has no relatives; after her parents died she cut off everyone.
No parents? Were still alive
Youre Eleanors parents? How could she lie?
Shes ashamed of us, James. Were simple folk, not made for high society, we have no money, we dont know how to behave, so she lied to avoid embarrassment.
Im sorry this happened I didnt know forgive me.
James, I see youre a good man. Dont hurt Eleanor; live happily!
Yes, motherinlaw. Well definitely visit you and make things right. Come on, stay inside!
No, well go; we dont want to spoil our daughters day. She didnt want to see us, and we turned up uninvited.
Three months pass. Eleanor still hasnt called or visited.
Valerie hangs laundry out in the back garden. A taxi pulls up and Eleanor steps out, suitcase in hand. Valerie continues hanging sheets.
Mum, hello. Im here. Are you not happy?
Hello. Why are you here?
What do you mean? Ive come home.
Oh home, right.
Is dad in the house?
Hes on the cemetery.
What kind of joke is that, Mum?
Its not a joke. You buried us two months ago, but the real father died two months ago. He couldnt bear the betrayal from his daughter. Ill never forgive you for that. Youve taken my husband and my child away. Go back; you have no place here any more.
Eleanor goes into the house. Its silent. Her fathers bed is empty, his photographs are gone. Everything feels foreign, as if she hadnt lived there for seventeen years.
Mum, I couldnt come earlier. James and I were abroad for three months on an island with terrible reception. James scolded me for lying. Also were divorcing; were too different. Three months together made that clear. Im thinking of signing a contract with an agency overseas. The world just isnt right for James.
Live as you wish, Eleanor. Goodbye.
The gate clicks shut. She walks away.
Valerie steps inside, tears streaming down her cheeks. How could this happen to the sweet girl she raised? There is no daughter left; she must get used to the emptiness. Eleanor made her choice. Valerie weeps, staring out the window, preferring solitude to such a daughter.
