Familiar Strangers

Marissa Joel

After Antonio stormed off, the table finally exhaled.

They all finished their meal in a heavy, awkward silence, picked at some dessert, and before long the Joels were ready to leave.

Grandpa Johnson walked them to the door, cheerful as ever. “Safe trip! We’ll talk soon,” he said, waving like nothing chaotic had just happened.

Marissa stepped toward her car—but before she could reach the door handle, her mother’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm in a tight, warning grip.

Mrs. Joel leaned in, her voice a sharp whisper.

“Don’t make me wait for you at home.”

The tone wasn’t loud.

But it was enough to freeze Marissa on the spot.

The Joel Residence

Mr. and Mrs. Joel arrived home, and the moment the door closed behind them, Mrs. Joel exploded.

“Did you see what your beloved daughter did today?” she fumed, pacing the sitting room. “I’m so ashamed and angry I could break something on her head! And where is she? We left at the same time—she should be here by now. Is she determined to send me to an early grave?”

Mr. Joel moved closer, gently taking her by the shoulders. “I know you're upset,” he said softly, “but at least it worked out for good. We don’t have to worry about her living alone anymore. That’s one big hurdle crossed.”

“Hurdle crossed?” she snapped, pulling away from him. “They’re getting married on Friday—the day after tomorrow. My only daughter is getting married with no celebration, no planning, nothing! I don’t even know which part I’m more upset about.”

“Hey, sweetheart… it’s okay,” Mr. Joel said, rubbing her arm gently. “Don’t work yourself up. And when she gets home, please don’t explode on her. You know exactly how that’ll go. She won’t back down—she’s your daughter, after all.”

Just then, the roar of a car announced her arrival—it was, of course, Marissa.

She stepped out and walked into the house, only to find both her parents standing in the middle of the living room, staring at her. Her father’s expression was calm, almost neutral, while her mother looked decidedly… not happy.

“If you’re that fast,” Mrs. Joel snapped, arms crossed, “why didn’t you get here sooner?”

“I stopped somewhere to research my soon-to-be husband,” Marissa said coolly.

Mrs. Joel’s eyes narrowed. “So… you have nothing to say to us about what you did?”

Marissa shrugged, feigning innocence. “What did I do at the Johnsons?”

“Oh, that…” she sighed, rolling her eyes. “In my little imagination, that was supposed to end the date. Didn’t work out, though—because here I am, about to get married to that jerk.”

Mrs. Joel drew in a deep, exasperated breath. “I’ve honestly lost the will to argue with you. Prepare yourself—we’re going shopping tomorrow.”

“It’s nothing serious,” Marissa replied coolly. “I can get a dress myself.”

“You’ve taken the wedding planning from me,” Mrs. Joel snapped, pointing a finger, “and now you want to take this away too? No. We’re going shopping tomorrow. That is final.” She pressed a hand to her forehead, muttering, “Good grief,” before storming up the stairs, leaving Mr. Joel and Marissa behind in stunned silence.

“You’re both lions,” Mr. Joel said, pulling Marissa into a gentle hug, “but don’t forget—she birthed you. You couldn’t possibly win against her if you tried. Here… give me a hug. I know this isn’t ideal, but I’m happy you’re getting married. Antonio is a good man.”

Marissa pushed back just slightly, still fuming. “Good… my foot! Did you see the way he called me out today? That was so rude! And don’t even get me started on his attitude the entire time. I’m beginning to regret agreeing to this.”

“Well,” Mr. Joel shot back with a small smirk, “it’s not like your attitude was perfect either.”

Pulling away, Marissa said, “And you both got what you wanted.”

Mr. Joel gave a small, knowing smile. “Yes, we did. I’m sure you understand why we’re doing this.”

“No… I don’t.”

“Marissa!” Mr. Joel said gently. “It’s been so long. It’s time to move on, forget the past, and start your own family. Your mother and I aren’t having it any easier, and all we want is for you to be happy.”

“I’ll try,” she murmured, before turning and heading up to her room.

Back in her room, Marissa walked over to her dresser and picked up a picture frame. Three children smiled back at her from the photo, frozen in a happier time.

She traced the edges of the frame with her fingers and whispered to herself, almost defiantly, “I can’t stop now.”

Deep in her thoughts, Marissa’s cell phone buzzed, pulling her back to reality. She glanced at the screen, saw the caller, and answered.

“How did it go?” the voice on the other end asked.

“Well… looks like I’m getting married on Friday,” she replied, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

“That’s… surprising,” came the response.

“Yeah. Can you handle things for me? I’m going shopping with Mother tomorrow. Talk later—I’m exhausted.”

She ended the call and sank onto her bed, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her. Mentally drained, she let herself collapse into the pillows, the world around her fading to nothing. By the time dinner was ready, she was fast asleep. In her dreams, she wandered through memories of her younger days—bittersweet, vivid—and even as tears silently traced down her cheeks, the scenes held her in their quiet, aching embrace.