Tears Of London

Peter's party

JO

Today is my brother's birthday. For this occasion, mom organised a family lunch at my childhood house, that went pretty well before I learn Peter was going to have a party tonight, with all of his friends.
The fact he is celebrating with his friends is not the problem. The fact that they may be a lot neither.
In reality, the problem is that my mother wants me to stay tonight, to help her to deal with the guests. But I'm really not in the mood for it.
- Please, Josephine ! she insists. It would help me a lot !
- Okay, what do you want me to do exactly ?
- Ensure that nothing illegal or untoward happens at this party.
- You want me to watch Peter all night ?
- Not all night, but sometimes. When things become strange.
- Alright, I accept against my will.
Seeing my mother as relieved is probably my reward for what I'm going to do tonight.
I will help her. Even if I'm tired as hell. But if Erin is one of the guests, there's no way I will meet him tonight. I won't let that happen.

*

When the first guests are arriving, I feel my stress coming bigger. It has been an entire week since the last time I saw so many people.
Kelly - who wasn't here at lunch - came with Malcolm to her arms.
- Jo ! she exclaims herself. How was the lunch ?
- Pretty good, I say smiling as I shake the hand that Malcolm holds out to me.
I wonder if Erin told him about us. Maybe he laughed at me and thinks I'm ridiculous.
- Well, we brought bottles, Malcolm tells me. Where can we put them ?
- Out of my mother's sight.
We laugh together before I take the bag he is holding.
- I'm going to put them in the fridge, I say.
- Thanks, he whispers before I leave.
I go in the kitchen and put the bag on the mini bar. I start spreading all the bottles the bag is hiding to put them in the fridge.
My mother enters in the kitchen at the same moment.
- What is that ? she says by frowning.
- Some bottles Peter's friends had bring. This is just beer, mom, don't worry.
- Hm hm. I thought you were helping me.
I hear the reproach in her voice.
- I am helping you, I retort. I am controlling it's just beer.
- You were not supposed to accept any alcohol. You know what alcohol did to him.
- Mom, most of Peter's friends are major. You can't refuse them even beer.
- I don't mind. If you don't want to help me, you're not forced to.
- Mom ! Stop this, I...I think I'm fair.
- No, Jo. I am the mom. I am fair. But, it's alright, leave. I'll do it on my own.
I hate when she's upset. She is so strong headed. I can't compete, so I declare a forfeit. But before I leave, I say :
- Call me if you need my help.