At first, things seemed to move smoothly. Everyone greeted the newcomers with open arms and bright smiles that made Everlie’s head swim. Nausea rolled her stomach, made worse by the heat and the smell of food that wafted the air generously. She sat with her head held low to draw as little attention as possible in between Karson and Flynn, who hadn’t stopped trying to converse with her since she arrived. Jonah smiled reassuringly at her from across the table. Both parents watched her out of the corner of their eyes like she was about to up and disappear any second. Everlie felt very small stuck inside that room, being watched like a specimen under a microscope. It was as if an elephant were sitting on her chest the entire time. She felt suffocated.
She was exhausted already. Quickly, Everlie took her glass of red wine and downed the contents in one chug, catching the attention of her family members. To her surprise no one said a word in her direction. They stayed talking about the weather, Karson’s upcoming baby, which Everlie blocked out entirely, and other mundane things. Ev placed her head in her hands for a quick second to regain some strength to get her through this evening without giving herself alcohol poisoning. She instantly craved something stronger than wine.
After everyone ordered their meals, Gen cleared her throat, a wide set smile on her aged face. She took her wine glass and held it shakenly in her old hands.
“I just wanted to thank everyone for coming. I know we’re all missing Lakynn and Chris, who got stuck in Guam at the last minute, but it’s still very much a miracle to have all of my other babies, and all my new babies, in the same room again. This dinner tonight has truly made our anniversary special, and Ianthe and I could not be happier.” She took a sip of her wine and placed the glass down and more chattered erupted—congratulations’, happy anniversary’s, and I love you’s came from most everyone at the table.
The youngest daughter kept silent as she took another swig of her wine. She swallowed the comment that had formed in her throat, remembering Jonah’s request for a peaceful evening, even though it was like swallowing glass. She bit her tongue and swished the red liquid around in her mouth, praying that the food got here soon.
Her enjoyable retreat inside her own mind was short-lived by her mother’s attention turning to her, along with all the other eyes at the table.
“We’re glad you made it, sweetie. We’re sorry if it cut into your work schedule.” Gen smile was strained at the last part, placing her own wine cup down. Ianthe and Everlie both looked over at Genevive, their heads cocking to the side. She noticed Ian mouth the word stop before looking back at Gen. It was only a matter of time before things went from peaceful, to chaotic.
“I…wasn’t at work.” She said slowly, sitting straighter in her chair. A thick silence overcame the table.
“Oh, I just assumed….Karson said—“ Everlie’s head jerked towards her older sibling, eyes narrowing. She quickly busied herself by nibbling on the end of a breadstick, her cheeks flushed. Everlie nodded her head as though she was agreeing with someone, flicking her eyes back to her mother, who challenged her with one look.
“What did you assume, mother?” She herself challenged back, raising an eyebrow. Jonah cleared his throat, unnoticed. Gen didn’t answer. “Because I decided to dress like this, I must have come from work. Right? From the club? The one Karson apparently told you about? Sorry to burst your bubble, but I like to dress like a stripper even when I’m not at work. So much for your perfect night, right?”
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