Not My Parent's Favorite

Chapter 9

Mari

I didn't want to do this at all. I wish Vicki could attend with me, but I could just imagine Father's eyes rolling as soon as they landed on her. Vicki and Father never saw eye to eye; they were always at each other's necks. Mother of course would always break up their arguments, but has the stubbornness of Father so he should know that she would not back down on her beliefs.

Yet Father didn't care about Vicki's beliefs or any woman's thoughts, feelings and dreams. Which led to the reason we started bumping heads. I wanted to be a writer and he has tried everything to squash my dreams. He won't stop me this time, what he doesn't know will hurt him this time.

Mother and I arrived at the restaurant shortly before Father. The Abrams had already arrived; Jeffrey was dressed in an all white ensemble, a suit jacket sans a shirt. "Finally," he quipped when he saw us approach the table.

"Ah Angela," Jeffrey's mother stood up and approached Mother. Mother froze in her steps and stared a bit. It was like she turned off reality and went into a role that she has played so many times. I looked at Mother, the shock on her lips changed to a well faked smile. It was like she flipped a switch and became a marionette. "It's so good to see you. Aren't you excited? Our babies are getting married." She approached Mother, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.

"Sandra, how nice to see you. How have you been?" Mother replied, patting her on the back softly. Mother didn't exuberate as much energy as Jeffrey's mother did. Mother was just playing a part. She knows how I feel about the entire situation. She's doing exactly what she's always told Vicki and I - go along with it and smile.

"I've been wonderful," She said. I drew her attention as I walked slowly behind Mother, dragging my feet and really not wanting to even sit in the vicinity of the table. I really didn't want to do it. I didn't understand how Mother does it so easily. "Mari, oh my goodness. Look at you!"

I stopped in my tracks as Mother did; Jeffrey's mother's attention was now on me. And it happened, I channeled my inner Mother and a smile crept across my lips. My shoulders moved to anticipate the embrace from her.

"Hi Mrs. Abrams, How are you?" My voice became soft and an octave higher. I looked at Mother while Mrs. Abrams hugged me. She gave me a soft smile, knowing what I was dealing with.

"I'm doing good sweetheart. I'm happy you will become my daughter. I've always wanted a daughter." She cupped my face, bursting with joy. I smiled to keep her happy while dying a little inside.

"Come Sandra, let's chat and leave the young ones alone." Mother saved me grabbing Mrs. Abrams hand pulled her away. I caught my breath just as Father approached the table.

"Bryan," Mr. Abrams bellowed, standing up to greet Father with a hearty handshake. "It's been a while. I see Angela is still as beautiful as ever."

"Always." He said proudly touting his brow as if he had something to do with Mother's demeanor. I heard Mr. Abrams voice lower speaking softly.

"How's Madeline?" He whispered. Father shot a look towards my direction, but I had held my gaze forward.

"Follow me. Join me for a drink." Father said as he placed his arm on his shoulders turning him in the direction of the bar. They walked off talking closely and laughing along the way.

I stood at the table looking at Jeffrey who was not paying attention to me at all, scrolling on his phone and chewing gum. This was my life. Father was off talking about his extramarrital affairs and Mother was playing her role of to be seen and not heard. I sat down in the seat across from Jeffrey; he stopped scrolling and looked at me.