Where My Demons Hide

Dinner For None

"Meadow, I know you're not exactly pleased but I think it would be best if you just did what she said," my mothers assistant was yammering on about some bullshit dinner I just had to attend.

"Valerie, I have said it already, but apparently your head is shoved too far up my mothers ass to hear me. I have to work Saturdays. This is not a new thing, this has been my schedule since I started. I will not be attending," my patience was wearing very thin at this point.

"Listen, I have a job to do and that job includes getting everything organized as best I can to keep my boss happy. We are both aware who my boss is and what can happen when she's not happy. So I did my homework, I know you are on an unexpected leave of absence so you have no reason not to attend." Apparently I wasn't the only one running low on patience.

"Fine, what time should I be there?" Damn this woman and her diligence.

"You have to be at dinner by five. However, you know how particular your mother is, so it is important you go to her store first and meet with Danielle to get your outfit for the evening," she tried to hide a sigh but failed, "and please cooperate this time, Meadow. It is not Danielle's fault you hate the hand you've been dealt."

And there goes the last shred of patience I was holding onto.

"What time do I have to meet with Danielle?"

"Be there for three and there will be a team for hair and makeup as well." This was followed by silence indicating she was done with me.

By the time five came around I was beyond pissed. I had been forced into some new design my mother created, a design by the way that could double a fucking table cloth. Once the dress was put on I had to sit and pretend to be pleased with the makeup and hair people as they plucked and trimmed and contoured my face. What the actual fuck. I'm over this whole asinine dinner and it hasn't even started yet.

After ringing the bell I am greeted by Frederick, my parents butler. Yes, they are those people. With a warm smile and outstretched hand he informed me they were in the sitting room. My heels clicked and clacked on the tile floor, making my presence known.

"Well, Meadow, thank you for joining us this evening. I am so pleased to see you," the sugary sweet tone of my mothers voice was enough to give me a cavity. I couldn't understand the need for it until I spotted a somewhat unfamiliar face on the chair opposite my father.

"Good evening Mother," I smiled the smile I was trained to give when in the presence of company. "Father, its so lovely to see you as well." I made my way to the open chair across from my mother and slowly lowered myself into it. One part was because of this god forsaken dress, the other part because as soon as I step foot in this house every second of etiquette training comes slamming back into my brain.

"Meadow," my father finally nodded in my direction, "please say hello to Dr. Shapiro," he indicated the man to my left.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up when my father said his name. I knew he looked familiar, but some part of me must have blocked him from memory. This was the doctor responsible for my brothers care. This was the sole individual who could release Jonah from the facility and allow him to be a menace to society.

"Hello Dr. Shapiro, how nice to see you again," fucking training forced me to lie through my teeth.

"Yes, you too Meadow. I was just telling Karen and Mitchell here how much progress Jonah has made. It was very slow going at first, as we all know, but he has really come around. He is responding so well to treatment that we are considering letting him come home for a visit." The smile on this mans face made my stomach churn.

The fact that anyone would buy into my brothers bullshit sickened me, but this man sitting next to me went through years and years of schooling to be able to help those with mental illnesses. He had hours upon hours practicing and yet he was still sold when it came to Jonah's progress.

"Isn't that just so exciting, Meadow?" The joy on my mothers face caused bile to rise in my throat.

"Of course, Mother, just what you've been waiting to hear," the sarcasm couldn't be missed. My mothers eye twitched when I spoke, indicating she was not pleased with my behavior. She seemed to forget that I was no longer a child.

"Well, the date for his visit is yet to be determined, but of course with all patients that have the diagnosis Jonah has, we need to make sure the entire family is on board with his being here," Dr. Shapiro was looking directly at me as he said this. I glanced over to my mother and father then back to the doctor.

"I'm sorry doc, not sure what you want me to say here. I no longer live in this house, so what I want or think should have no bearing on this decision," I tried to keep the disgust from my voice, but I was failing miserably.

"Well, that is a big part of why you're here tonight, Meadow," my mother was practically sneering at me now. "In order for Jonah to return here permanently this visit must be flawless. It is of the utmost importance that his transition from the facility to here be seamless. This visit will help Dr. Shapiro determine if this will continue to be a healthy environment for your brother."

"Healthy is an interesting word, mother." I scoffed at this charade.

"That is enough, Meadow," it was my father who spoke to me now. Initially, he was a passive observer of the entire conversation, but when I looked over at him now my others nails were digging in his arm, forcing him to be active. "You will respect the people in this room and you will be a willing participant in your brothers return," his tone made everything final.

"Of course, father," the words were automatic. There was no room to argue. This would happen whether I wanted it to or not. "If you'll excuse me please, I'll be back in a moment." I stood from my chair and forced my feet to move at an acceptable pace. Once I was cleared from the sitting room, I kicked my heels off and hauled ass to my old bedroom. Unfucking believable, I don't even live here anymore and I'm still a prisoner.