SINKING SHIPS

Dinner

“A perfect dinner for me is being with people I really want to be with. It starts and stops with my company and my family”. Catherine Bach

Aunt Bonnie had chosen a nice yellow sundress to wear to dinner.  It fit her nicely.  She sat at the table waiting on the girls to join her.  It had a white table cloth with a beautiful lighted flower arrangement in the center of the table. What a beautiful restaurant she thought as she looked around.  Crystal chandeliers hung throughout the space putting off a nice soft glow.  The tiled floors glistened under the lights making them look like water.  She fixed her eyes on the massive doors you had to come through to enter the restaurant.  She could not wait to see her girls come through that door. She was not sure if the rumbling in her stomach was nerves, excitement, or hunger.  As she watched the door, in walked Bella. She was so beautiful.  Her long blonde hair fell around her shoulders and shined against her red blouse.  She carried herself with confidence. 

Bella scanned the room for Aunt Bonnie.  As she did so, she noted how nice everything was. She could see a couple by the windows toasting.  This definately provided a romantic setting she was sure the couple would never forget. As she met Aunt Bonnie’s eyes, she smiled.  She walked across the room to join her for dinner. She noted to herself that Aunt Bonnie was looking slim and pale. Maybe it was just because she had not seen her in a while.  She gave her a hug as she sat down at the table.

Abigail entered the restaurant to see her mom and Bella talking and laughing.  She had missed her mom.  She had decided that she would spend every possible moment with her mother.  Bella saw her Aunt Bonnie’s eyes go towards the door. Bella turned to see Abigail walk in.  She was wearing a beautiful emerald green gown. Her beautiful brown hair and bright green eyes played off the emerald green gown.  She was stunning. You could see people turning around to look at the beautiful woman that had entered the restaurant. The dress was a bit much but that was Abigail for you. Abigail approached the table with a smile. She hugged her mother and took a seat.  She smiled at Bella turning back to her mother and asked if Calista was joining them.

Calista walked toward the dining room hoping she would not twist her ankle or break her neck in these heals.  She was not used to wearing dresses and heels.  As she entered the restaurant, she took a deep breath taking in its beauty.  She had never been to a restaurant this nice. She could see her Mother, Abigail, and Bella sitting at a table when she entered.  As she approached the big round table, she could hear Abigail commenting that Calista would probably be late as usual.  Calista put a brave smile on her face as she went to take her place at the table and asked if they had been waiting long.  Her mother got to her feet, stating her timing was perfect, and hugged her tightly.  Bella stood up to offer a hug.  Abigail was still Abigail and remained seated.  At least she did say hello.

Aunt Bonnie looked around the table noting the awkward silence.  Well I guess I should be the one to start she thought.  Girls, I am so glad you could join me on vacation.  I have missed all of you so much.  We have let too much time go by without seeing and even speaking to each other.

Dinner had arrived.  A silence fell over the table as everyone acted like they were focused on eating what had been placed in front of them. Aunt Bonnie tried keeping the conversation going by commenting on how good everything smelled and looked with no response. She sighed praying that things do not remain this way.

Bella hearing her Aunt's disappointed sigh, picked up her glass of wine and sipped from it nervously.  Aunt Bonnie, I am so sorry I let so much time go by. I have missed everyone so much.  I stay so busy anymore that I lose track of how much time has gone by.

Abigail lifted her glass and toasted “To our busy family.   Thanks, mom, for being so generous and inviting us on vacation. Salute".

Calista spoke up, “I am happy to be here". Looking at Abigail and Bella, I have tried several times to reach out to you two leaving messages but the two of you never return my calls.

 We do have lives Calista.  Abigail, I was not saying you all do not have lives.  Sometimes you must make time for what is important. Well Calista, not all of us get to stay at home and have someone take care of us. Some of us have to work. Abigail! exclaimed Aunt Bonnie.  Calista quietly laid her napkin on the table and stood to leave.  Please do not leave asked Bella.  It is alright Bella; I am going to go to my room and get some rest.  Mom I will see you at breakfast.  “Please stay Calista” asked Aunt Bonnie. Calista leaned over and gave her mom a kiss saying goodnight. Calista refused to cry in front of everyone.  Bella stood, Abigail, why do you have to be so rude! I will see you at breakfast Aunt Bonnie.  She leaned over and kissed her cheek saying "Goodnight, I love you".

Abigail! What is wrong with you?  Nothing. I just do not like that someone that sits on their ass all day eating bon bons thinks that they can get on to me for not staying in touch.  She has more time on her hands than I do.  Abigail if you must know, Beau left Calista and the kids and did so leaving them with no money.  Calista has gone back to work, cares for two children with no support from their father and struggles to make ends meet.  Abigail, you need to remember the world does not revolve around you.  Other people have problems. Just because you do not know about their problems does not mean they do not exist. I am sorry mom. I did not know. No, you did not, but you did not ask either.  I am going to turn in Abigail.  I expect to see you at breakfast in the morning.  We are not going to spend the whole trip arguing.  Aunt Bonnie leaned over and gave Abigail a kiss on the check saying goodnight as she excused herself.  Abigail sat there for a few moments finishing her wine and wondering what happened between Calista and Beau.  They seemed to be a couple so much in love with a happy family life.