Host of Imperfections

CHAPTER 8

"Oh this is beautiful." I heard Derrick's mother coo once she walked through the front door of our home; accompanied by her stiff husband.

Camille greeted them along with my parents and had whisked them away to the living room by the time I made it all the way down the staircase.

I wondered if the pissed off expression on my face was as evident as I tried to make it. It's Friday night and instead of being out with Jay like planned, I was forced to stay home and entertain guests.

My mother being the extreme social type had invited Derrick and his parents over for dinner so they could get better acquainted with the rest of the family. I honestly didn't see the point in anyone else being present at this little get together other than Camille. I wasn't the one marrying their son and I'm positive I won't be seeing these people again for a loooong time.

"Where's your sister?" My mother turned around smoothly and whispered.

"I'on know, probably still up in her room." I frowned and shrugged my shoulders.

"Go get her for me and set the table."

She must've forgot who she was talking to.

"Well what, you wanna do it by yourself?" she tried compromising with me.

I didn't want to do shit to be frank with her but I'd just save myself a good old smack to the face and keep that little piece of information to myself. If Solange hadn't come out of her room by now, my mother knew damn well she was going to have to go upstairs and drag her down here herself.

Neither one of us wanted to be here tonight.

Taking her up on that offer, I headed to the dining room and proceeded to set the table by myself. I know I didn't sound too ecstatic about the event myself but knowing Solange, she'd be running her mouth non stop about how this was 'so unfair.' I'm sure you've noticed the difference between us by now.

She'd say whatever was on her mind despite the fact that she could possibly hurt someone's feelings, while I on the other hand was the people pleaser; always conscious about what I said and did.

My mother had run around the kitchen all evening like a chicken with its head cut off preparing this dinner. The least I could do was set the table I guess. That's probably where I get it from, she was always trying to leave a good impression on people, even if it did mean portraying your family as the Huxtables when they were more like the Osbornes. Well maybe not that drastic, but you get my drift.

Just as I thought, my mother came in there minutes later dragging Solange in right along with her.

"Mama forreal, just let me sleep. You won't even know I was missing."

"Real funny. Now help your sister."

Solange flopped down at the end of the table and did nothing when my mother left the room and went into the kitchen.

Once I was finished, Camille came prancing in with our guests and sat down with Derrick. My father was in the middle of talking about his famous construction company before introducing Solange and I to Derrick's parents.

After Solange flashed them an obviously fake smile, my father drew the attention to me. "And this right here is our little Psychologist in the making, Beyoncé."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." I smiled and held my hand out.

"It's nice to meet you too." Mrs. Green chimed shaking my hand and then Mr. Green. I could tell he wasn't quite the talker.

My mother came in with the food and after saying grace we all dug in. It was dead silent before my mother sparked up the only conversation amongst the table besides the side one Derrick and Camille were having. I despised her right about now. If it wasn't for her I could be somewhere with Jay right now boo-lovin. My mind traveled off to him once again before I heard my name mentioned.