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“Okay,” I lean back and pour some water into my glass. “So, I’m the eldest and my brother’s name is Owen. He’s six years younger than me. After he was born, my parents completely ignored me, as though I had vanished. They treated me like a doormat, their scapegoat. That’s why I felt lost and homeless for many years even though I had parents and a roof over my head.
“I was very lonely and insecure back then. And that is probably the main reason why I chose to get married so young. I was very naive and anxious, and Joey made me feel I could rely on him. Perhaps my parents got married for the same reasons. My mom was only seventeen when they married, and they had me immediately after,” I laugh bitterly. “It’s quite common in our family.”
“My parents were quite busy too, you know. Don’t forget I have seven siblings.” He defiantly furrows his perfect brows, stands up and then sits next to me.
“It sounds like it,” I giggle. “Anyway, as I grew up, a rift formed between us, resentments we couldn’t undo. They struggled with the fact that I had become an independent and opinionated woman who has her own desires and aspirations. They’re rather conservative, so they tried to restrict my every movement. Things have been stable for a long time. They love Roy very much, but now, after the divorce they’ve grown distant again. Perhaps they’re afraid I’ll show up at their door, dump my baggage on them and expect them save me.”
“You’re the best thing that could have happen to them!” He’s upset. “I can’t understand it. You’re educated, gorgeous, hardworking, kind, and loving.”
“That’s the way it is. We’re like oil and water,” I’ve already learned to accept it.
“We have to change things, the sooner the better.” He’s determined. “You shouldn’t have to carry this burden by yourself. What would your parents have wanted to see in your future partner?” He’s trying to get to know them better.
“Frankly,” I’m embarrassed telling him. “But I think all they care about is money and honor. I’m not sure they actually understand the meaning of love. I’m pretty sure that they respect and depend on one another, but when it comes to love? I’m not sure they’ve ever felt it. I’ve spent years seeking their approval and trying to please them. However, unfortunately, I was always unsuccessful. As the years passed, and after multiple disappointments, I realized it’s never going to happen. So, I decided it was time to be independent and created my own reality. I made sure my identity no longer relied on their perception of it and, nowadays, I try to lead my life without thinking of their expectations. I simply want to learn how to believe in myself and become the woman and mother that I strive to be, regardless of their criticism.”
“That’s all fine,” he explains, “but these things do have an impact on you and on Roy, too. We have to correct this wrong,” he continues, insisting on showing me just how serious he is. “Hear me out, when it comes to our relationship, I’m not looking for their approval. Frankly, after hearing everything, I’m pretty angry at them. You don’t deserve to be treated that way. I’m sure that you’re a wonderful daughter and a terrific mother. Sometimes people have high expectations because they appreciate us more than we do ourselves. Because I care about you, and because I love you so much, I’m convinced that if we don’t get to the bottom of this problem, it’s going to come back and bite you when things will seem unstable. Trust me, I’m an expert when it comes to these matters.”
“So, what do you propose?” I look at him embarrassedly.
“I intend to meet them, impress them, spin their head with plenty of money and respect, just so they can realize how silly they are and how dear and precious you are to others. I plan on confronting them with the truth. And I’ll do it with plates covered in dollars if I have you,” he laughs dismissively.
I also burst out laughing.
“Are you serious? Are you actually going to do it?”
“I’ll call them this very instant.”
“No!” I object. But he won’t relent until I give him the green light to go ahead and do it.
“Hello?” My mother’s voice says on the other side of the line.
“Hello Esther, nice to meet you. My name is Avi Levi. You don’t know me, but your gorgeous daughter has told me so much about you.”
“Sam?” she asks.
How many daughters does she think she has? I think bitterly.
“Yes, your wonderful daughter has become the dearest person to me in the whole wide world,” he smiles and looks straight into my eyes. My heart swells with joy. “I’d like to invite your entire family over for dinner. It’s very important to me that we get to know each other. As you surely understand, I’m calling because the matter is very important to me.”
“When would you like us to come?”
“Tonight,” Avi continues his ‘Carpe Diem’ approach. “Let’s say two and a half hours?” He doesn’t ease off.
“Fine,” my mother agrees.
“Okay, then. I’ll text you the address right away and see you soon.” He finishes the conversation as he always does, leaving no room for any other words.
“See you,” my mother sounds curious and pensive.
“I hope they won’t disappoint you. They can make a very good first impression, but I’m afraid I’ve lost their respect forever. In any case, I need to go and pick up Roy,” I announce.
“When does he finish school?”
“At around 4:30.”
“Okay, how are we going to do it then?” he deliberates.
“Matthew has to go to a wedding tonight, so he asked me to make an exception and let Roy join him. He’ll stay at his place tonight. I’ll pick him up, and we’ll grab a bite together, then I’ll drop him off at Matthew’s.”
