Dad Gwendolyn asked me not to turn up for the wedding. She says shell be mortified about her countryfolk.
How on earth could she How could you, Val? Id been looking forward to this day for ageshanding my daughter over to a husband. And now she wont even see us, embarrassed Whats happened?
Hello, mum, Victors actually proposedcan you believe it? Ive been dreaming of joining his family!
Valerie beamed for her daughter. Gwendolyn was clever, lovely, and the apple of their eye. Her parents had always backed her, from school days right through. After finishing school, she fancied becoming a model; her looks and figure gave her a good shot.
But training fees were steep. Michael sold a few cows and some pigs, just enough to cover the costs. Gwendolyn rarely visited the family farm; city life had swept her up like a summer gale. She started earning herself, taking part in photo shoots and runway shows. Her parents were delighted that she was on her feet.
Victor was the only son of a senior executive; his father never denied a request. Gwendolyn never introduced Victor to her own parents, nor invited them to the city. She kept telling them that she and Victor led such a hectic life, jetsetting abroad whenever they could.
Valerie worked as a cleaner at the local secondary school, and she often boasted about her daughters glossy pictures to her colleagues.
Val, why doesnt Gwendolyn bring her fiancé over for a proper introduction? Is she shy about her parents?
Oh, Alice, Gwendolyn loves us dearly, both me and her dad.
When was the last time she turned up? You cant even recall. Does she call often?
That week she rang, saying the weddings coming up. We need to think about the gift money and what to wear.
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Gwendolyn, when will you and Victor finally show up so we can meet him? Your fathers already cooked his signature stew; hed love to share it with his new soninlaw.
Mum, theres nothing to shareVictor doesnt drink. Were swamped with wedding prep, so many things to sort.
And whens the wedding, love? We still need to get our outfits ready.
Mum, honestly you dont need to come. Victor comes from a wealthy background; the whole highsociety will be there, and you two youll look like youve just walked out of a farmyard, and you wont know how to behave. Can you imagine the contrast? Thats the sort of embarrassment Im trying to avoid.
Alright, dear, well stay away then.
Val didnt know how to tell her husband. Hed been waiting for this day to see his beloved daughter in a wedding dress and wish her happiness. The whole house was plastered with photos of Gwendolyn; Michael could recite the exact date each picture was taken and often stared at his pretty girl.
Dad Gwendolyn asked us not to attend. She says shell be ashamed of her countryfolk.
How could this be How could you, Val? Ive been waiting to hand my girl over for years. And now she wont even look at us, embarrassed What a mess.
Michael went pale. Valerie handed him a glass of water; hed been having a dodgy heart.
Michael, dont get yourself worked up. Well just skip it, no big deal.
That night they had to call an ambulance; hed taken a turn for the worse.
You know what, Val? Well still go to the wedding and say helloafter all, we have a right to be there, dont we?
Valerie wasnt keen, but she could see there was no stopping Michael. Finding the wedding date and venue was a breeze; Victor was a public figure and the details were online. Valerie asked a coworker to look it up, as the house didnt have internet.
She borrowed a smart dress from a friend, bought Michael a new suit, and set off on the day of Gwendolyns nuptials to the city. They slipped into the restaurant just as the celebration was in full swing, guests clapping for the newlyweds.
Valerie and Michael, bouquet in hand, slipped quietly into the ballroom. When the MC asked who else wanted to congratulate the couple, Michael shouted, We do!
The MC invited them up.
Victor and Gwendolyn, congratulations on tying the knot! May you live long and happily, and may your children always remember their roots, respect their parents, and never be ashamed of where they came from.
Michael set the bouquet down on the table, took Valeries hand, and left the room.
Victor stared at Gwendolyn, puzzled.
Who are those people, Gwendolyn?
Theyre my relatives.
Victor caught up with Michael and Valerie.
Where are you going? Stay for the reception! Gwendolyn said she has no relatives left now that her parents are gone, that shes cut off from everyone.
What do you mean parents gone? Were still here
Are you Gwendolyns parents? How could she lie?
Shes embarrassed, Victor. Were simple folk, not cut out for the upper crust, no money, no mannersshe fibbed so she wouldnt be embarrassed.
Im sorry this happened. I didnt know forgive us.
Victor, I see youre a decent man. Dont hurt Gwendolyn, and live happily!
Okay, Muminlaw. Well definitely drop by sometime and smooth over this awkwardness. Come on, stay inside!
No, well leave. We dont want to spoil our daughters day. She didnt want to see us, we just turned up uninvited.
Three months slipped by. Gwendolyn never called her parents, never set foot at the farm.
Valerie was hanging laundry out in the yard when a taxi pulled up and Gwendolyn stepped out, suitcase in hand. Valerie kept on folding the sheets.
Mum, hi. Im here. Are you happy to see me?
Hello. What are you doing here?
What do you mean? Ive come home.
Oh home, right.
And dad?
Hes in the graveyard.
What kind of joke is that, Mum?
Its no joke. You may have buried us long ago, but dad actually passed two months ago. He couldnt cope with the strain Gwendolyn put on him. Ill never forgive her for that. Shes taken my husband and my daughter away. Get out; theres no place for you here anymore.
Gwendolyn entered the house. Silence. Dads bed was empty, his photographs gone from the walls. Everything felt foreign, as if she hadnt lived there for seventeen years.
Mum, I couldnt come sooner. Victor and I spent three months abroad on an island with spotty reception. He scolded me for the lie. Weve actually split uptoo different, and three months together made that clear. Im thinking of heading back overseas, signing a contract with an agency. The world just isnt right for Victor.
Live as you wish, Gwendolyn. Goodbye.
The garden gate shut behind her.
Valerie went back inside and broke down in tears. How could this happen to the sweet girl shed raised? There was no daughter left to look after; she would have to get used to the empty house. Gwendolyn had made her choice. Valerie sobbed, staring out the window, realizing that solitude was kinder than a daughter who never returned.
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