The pattern felt familiar. I focused on my salmon, hoping to avoid drawing attention. Daniel’s sister Monica leaned over and whispered, “They’re heading this way.” I nodded, keeping my eyes on my plate. Maybe they would just pass by with a quick greeting. My mother reached our table first. She wore a burgundy dress with matching heels, the kind with pointed toes and 3-in stilettos that clicked against the floor.
Her makeup was flawless. Her hairstyled in perfect waves. Everything about her appearance screamed control and precision. “Well, there you are,” she said, her tone suggesting I’d been hiding. “We’ve been looking all over for you.” I glanced up, offering a small smile. “Hi, Mom. We’re at our assigned table.
” She ignored my explanation, scanning the empty chairs around us. Daniels parents sat two tables over, and most of the seats at our table remained vacant as guests mingled or danced. “My father approached, his expression stern as always.” Olivia followed, one hand still cradling her stomach protectively. “Your sister needs somewhere to sit,” my mother announced.
“She’s exhausted from the drive. I shifted in my chair, my lower back aching from the weight I carried. There are empty seats right here. I gestured to the vacant chairs surrounding us. She can take any of them. My mother’s eyes narrowed slightly. She needs your seat. It has the best position at the table. The request made no sense.
Every chair at the round table offered the same view and access. But challenging my mother’s logic never ended well. I’d learned that lesson repeatedly throughout my childhood. Mom, I’m 8 months pregnant, I said quietly, hoping to avoid a scene. Getting up and down is really difficult right now. There are plenty of other chairs.
Get up from that chair right now. My mother’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. Your sister needs to sit. Monica’s hand found mine under the table, a silent show of support. I squeeze it gratefully before responding. She’s only 2 months pregnant. I’m 8 months. I need to stay seated because the sharp sudden pain in my foot cut off my words.
