I was deeply hurt by Dad's betrayal. Why would he tell her? Weren't they supposed to be fighting?
I stayed holed up in my room till Uncle Liam notified me that dinner would be in 10 mins. By then, I was already formally dressed for dinner and was just staring at my disgusted self in my mirror.
When we have family dinner, you are expected to get there five minutes earlier so I left my room five minutes after Uncle Liam's notification.
I meet Riley and his sister already seated. Soon Uncle Ron came in and to my surprise, Dad, who usually leaves the house whenever mum was around, came in too with his newspaper.
Everyone was impeccably dressed and looking good. They all looked so bright and happy. How could they be pulling this fake show of happiness off for years without getting tired? I was so exhausted that it took extra contouring to conceal my dark bags and dull skin. Looking at how relaxed the reasons for my distress looked, I had the urge to just cause chaos. I started boiling inside but was doing my best to hold things together because timing matters.
I thought Mum was the only one remaining but when the doors opened for the last time, Daniel and Rose, his wife, walked in.
What?! I haven't seen him since his wedding. We dont talk at all so I get that he has no reason to tell me he was coming but why didn't mummy or uncle Liam or dad give me a heads up? I was so insignificant that nobody told me anything. They just expect me to accept things, instructions and whatever they throw at me like a robot.
With these thoughts racing through my mind, I just started laughing, getting everyone's attention.
"Hmm. Excuse me." I caught myself and stopped laughing.
"Long time Caitlin. Hope you have been good." Rose greeted with that her plastic face beaming with sparkles, almost blinding me.
"Hey Rose. I am good. Hope you are too.' I replied with a beam of my own. I might not be into plastic surgeries but I have one of the most beautiful faces, this side of Arizona. How can her smile be more beautiful? I rolled my eyes in my mind and completely Ignored Daniel. He didn't bother too.
Right behind them was Mum, dressed to kill, completely glammed up. If I didn't know better, I would have thought she was going to some high class occasion or maybe the press would be showing up.
We all settled down and soon, Uncle Liam and some hired help started bringing in the dishes. It was a five course meal. A mix of English, Italian and Asian with sweets and ice cream for desserts
While all that was going on, the adults were doing small chats while we kids were focused on our phones.
Riley was seated beside me and I was grateful he didn't bother to make small jokes with me like he used to do. He likes doing PDA anytime we eat with our parents. Now thinking about it, all that sweetness was all for show. He was putting on a show for my Mum. What a jerk.
Once the last dish was placed, dad rang the tiny bell and said a short prayer. Then we started eating. It was a serve yourself buffet with a Chinese styled food wheel placed at the center of the table. All we had to do was roll it to get the food. I didn't even bother to get much. I just served rice and a chinese chicken soup. They were the closest to me. I could have taken anything. I had no appetite but couldn't just sit there doing nothing while everyone was eating. After serving myself, I started playing with the food since it was against the rules to use your phone while eating.
Mum engaged everyone throughout the meal except Dad, since he wouldn't respond to her while eating even if they were on good terms.
Daniel obediently gave her a run down of his life. I knew he was lying through his teeth. Riley also spoke about school and his life in general. Sophia gave her gists about her new family. She would be getting married soon and the plans were obviously going smoothly.
After everyone had given her a rundown of their lives, it was my turn. She asked about the shop and I gave her clipped responses. I could hear anger in her voice. She was angry but she would never confront me in front of everyone. While I would let Dad talk down to me and say nothing, I never let Mum get away with it. I always talk back. Though my comebacks were always subtle and not disrespectful, she would rather argue with me in private.
30 minutes later, we were done eating and dessert was served. It wasn't obligatory to eat that so I decided to leave. I took an excuse and stood up but mum said I should sit down as we have to plan Uncle Ron's party.
"Are we the ones doing the cooking and decorations?" I asked sarcastically, when she stopped me. I was going to rant after the meal but might as well do it right then since she was asking for it.
"What do you mean?" She asked in a stern voice. Everyone at the table went silent and watched us.
"I asked if we were the ones doing the decorations or cooking? If we are not, then what meeting are you holding? And why do I have to be part of it?"
"You realize the celebrant is sitting right across from you and saying that is respectful right?" She asked.
"Is it?" I sneered then turned to Uncle Ron, "Uncle Ron, have I disrespected you in any way?" I asked, sounding innocent.
"Mm, no. You aren't daring. Helena, she might have other things to do that are urgent. Since she wasn't told before that there would be a meeting, it's not really her fault. So can you please let her go?" He was saying more than I expected. But I was more than satisfied with his response. I turned to Mum and smirked at her.
"See! He is not offended. So I will be taking my leave now." I made to leave but she also stood up.
"Sophia, you will share our plans with everyone. As for you Catlin, in my office right now." She started leaving.
"What are we doing in your office? Talk? No need to go that far. We can do the talking right here, in front of everyone." I responded and settled back into my seat, no longer concealing my anger.
"What?!" She snapped' shocked by my audacity.
"If you know what's good for you, you will follow me now!" She snapped', making my heartbeat skip a few times. She then made for the door.
"I know what is good for me. In fact, not just me, everyone at this table! And it is to get as far away from you as possible. You Mum, are the devil's incarnate." I screamed.
"Caitlin?" Dad snapped at me. "You need to stop talking before you say something you will regret!"
"What is there to regret, Dad?"
"Caitlin…" Riley wanted to start talking but I shushed him immediately. "Don't even try to say a word, you spineless cheat!" I screamed at him.
"Now let me make everything clear to you all. I am not going to marry Riley. Not in this life or the next. And as for you Mrs Woods, you can do your absolute worst!" After stating my mind, I walked out of the room with my head held high. Even though my chest was as heavy as a stone.