The Honeymoon Game

Promise?

“Ma you heard me. You're always singing Dianna's praise. She is the perfect definition of a daughter that I can't be. You never see me no matter how hard I try, yet you always talk about me not being here. I'm tired Ma!” I walked out. I knew I shouldn't have, but I couldn't stand there and watch her embarrass me in front of her guest.

I had grabbed a drink from a waiter on my way out, which eventually got spilled on me, by that... I don't want to be calling him names but I hate that dude right now.

Seeing that there was not much I could do to restore my dress and I couldn't just keep hiding in the restroom, I decided to step out. I almost bumped into someone else at the door that led out of the restroom. “What the hell is it with this guest bumping into me today?” I asked myself. The dude was so focused on his phone that he didn't even see me coming.

“Jeezz I'm sorry Ma'am.” He apologized, taking the phone off his ears.

“It's fine,” I didn't spare him a glance. I simply didn't want to have another argument with someone else today.

“Hey, wait up,” the voice called out again.

“What!” I turned around.

“You dropped this, it was at the sink in the washroom,” he stretched out my handkerchief.

“Thank you,” I tried grabbing the piece of clothing from his hand but he held on to it.

“My name is Jay, and you look pretty.”

“Piss off!” I turned around, leaving the handkerchief in his hands and walking out. I didn't have time for cheap talks.

Moreover, there was nothing new this dude was going to say. I was used to all their lies. Swearing to be loyal and bringing down mountains, because they love you. Yet that dude is gonna cheat and shatter your heart after a few months. I knew it all, I had experienced it first hand and I wasn't ready to hurt myself by giving anyone else that chance.

I guess Dianna was having the time of her life. She was all smiles, dressed in a stylish pink dress. She had caught my mum's bouquet when it was thrown in the air. And you the myth behind that? She would be the next person wedding when we gather like this again.

“You would be my bridesmaid, Coz.” she had said.

“Don't be joking with me. You know I won't do that, so kill the thought and bury it.” I told her.

You know me, I didn't care how she felt about what I said. But I guess she didn't even take it to heart, because the next second, she was at the dance floor with a well dressed dude, being swirled around in dancing steps.

Everybody was happy except me. I guess I didn't really belong in this crowd anyways, so I headed out. I sat in my car for a few more minutes, thinking about what my parents' wedding might have looked like.

I wasn't born yet and all I saw of it were the pictures that were taken. They were young and looked really happy. You could see their love through their stares at each other. It was something to wish for and I had always wanted to be like them. But then, after my first heartbreak, my priorities were changed.

Now all I think of is becoming a successful woman. A woman that can stand in important gatherings and speak out and have her voice heard, not just heard, but listened to.

If eventually I get married, it should be to a man that values me, that listens to my voice. A man that wouldn't just make silly promises but keep to them in the long run. That is all I want. And until then, I want to be focused, and if my mum thinks it is cold to chase my dreams head on, then she could go f**k her new man.

***

“What? That's insane Ma, you can't be asking for that.”

“Do you really want my forgiveness? Then this is all I ask of you Fiona.” My mum insisted, relaxing into the arms of her husband.

“Dear, if you think about it...” Louis was about to say.

“Excuse me? My name is Fiona and I think you should stick to that, sir.” I corrected him, not minding the glare from my mum.

“Okay, Fiona, all I'm saying is that, your mum and I would really love it if you join us for our honeymoon. It is like creating an opportunity for us to bond now that we've become a family.” Louis continued.

“I'm sure it was you who talked her into this stupid idea,” I turned to him.

“Fiona!” My mum called.

“Did she tell you how much of a busy person I am? Did she?” I went on, not paying heed to her call.

“We're all going to be leaving something behind, but it is a sacrifice we're making for our family Fiona. I own the Flames paper, but yet I would be leaving.”

“That is because you're on your f*****g honeymoon! How do I explain to people that I am absent from work because I had to attend my parents' honeymoon? How does that even sound to you?”

Gosh! My mum was slowly driving me insane with her demands. Where on earth has it been heard that an entire family of grown ass children, travel together for the honeymoon of their parents? What exactly was I supposed to be doing there?

“I could write to your organization seeking permission, it won't be a big deal,” he coaxed.

“His son, your step-brother, is also an attorney, but he would be there,” my mum added.

“Yeah and me too,” Dianna chipped in.

Christ! She just had to be everywhere!

“Ma, what is she even doing here? Don't you like have something more demanding of your time?” I asked, not taking my gawking eyes off Dianna.

Like always, she wasn't a bit intimidated by me. She was focused on the screen of her phone, her mouth was moving irritatingly as she chewed on a bubble gum, with her legs crossed over each other. She felt so at home in my mum's house, although it was her house too, it still annoyed me.

“She would be joining us,” my mum said.

“I took a leave at work. Dedicating my time to the newest couples in town,” she clapped her hands cheering my mum and her husband.

“Thanks darling. Louis and I are happy for all your efforts. Right dear?” She turned to her man. Who smiled and nodded in agreement.

That was the dumbest thing I ever heard in a long while. Taking a leave off work for the wedding of someone else. If you ask me, I'd say it is plain laziness and nothing more.

“Right. I have an idea,” I smiled, as they all turned to me. “Since Dianna is going anyways, can't she just fill in for me? That's possible right Louis?”

“Umm...” he stammered, eying my mum.

“It is you who has come to seek forgiveness and not Dianna. Fiona, look, it is easy, if you want to make me happy, then you have to do this. But it's fine anyways if you don't. I would still live with the knowledge that I got denied the one gift I asked of my only child.” Her eyes were watering and I knew what would come next if I didn't do or say something.

“Okay Ma. Fine, I would go with you. How many days is it again?”

“A month. Just a month.” She answered, dabbing the tears that had formed in her eyes.

“What!!!” I couldn't believe what I heard.

“Yeah, we know it's a small time indeed to be bonding, but considering the fact that the Flames would be run by incapable hands for the period of one month could ruin business and...” He paused, as my mum nudged him with her shoulders. They were both staring at me and I was watching back with my jaws dropped in surprise.

“You're all joking right?” I chuckled dryly. “This is a f*****g joke, isn't it?”

“No,” they both answered in calm voices, making them look like two school kids being reprimanded by their teacher.

“Okay. I would be there,” I answered after a brief silence. I could tell they were worried I'd say no, but I didn't have much choice. My mum was the only family I had left and maybe I've been hard on her for a while.

“You mean that?” My mum straightened on her seat, a smile on her face.

“Yes.” I was looking down at my fingers, peeling off the nail polish.

There was an awkward silence so I looked up. My mum was seated with her hands folded, Louis had also straightened on his seat and even Dianna was no longer watching her phone. They were all mopping at me, like I had something on my face, something that was going to eat me up and they were scared to say it, like in horror movies.

“What? Is there something wrong? Did I say something? Why are you all creeping me out with those looks?”

It was Dianna who first looked away after smiling weirdly. Then my mum stood up and walked up to me. I couldn't understand what was going on.

“What Ma?”

She bent down, gaining direct contact with my eyes. “We're scared you agreed too easily and that might mean you won't really come Fiona,” she took my hands.

“I thought that was why y'all asked? So I could agree?” My head was beginning to spin with a headache.

“Yes, that's why we asked. But Fiona I'm used to us going back and forth on matters like this before getting your acceptance.”

“Oh, so you needed more drama?”

“No. We just need you to promise that you would come, it's the only way I can be sure,” she turned to Louis and Dianna, as if seeking their support.

“Yes, just say you promise Coz, we know you don't break your promises,” Dianna added.

“Do this for your mum, Fiona,” Louis joined in.

They were right, saying I promise was the only way they could be sure I would make it to their sick idea of a honeymoon. But was I ready to make that promise?