I'm speechless.
I'm astonished.
I'm... I'm not sure what I am. I'm not sure what they want me to be.
"You're getting divorced?" It's possible?
Thirty plus years later, they've finally realised what a terrible thing they did getting together.
"What nonsense are you spouting? You father and I are very much in love." Wow. Could've fooled me.
"Then, how's he getting married?"
"Is your mind always this creative? He's not getting married. They're just going to sign a document stating they're a couple recognised by law."
And that's not getting married, because?
But, marrying more than one wife is illegal in Bronze.
"What your mother is trying to say is, Lydia and I are going to be an official couple without getting married."
Right. It makes perfect sense now he's explained except, he already is a couple with my mother and polygamy is illegal in Bronze.
No, I refuse to get worked up by these two people. It's already too much I only see them a handful of times in a year and I have to deal with so much emotionally after their abrupt visits - they're cancerous to me.
"Lydia is pregnant. I want the child to carry my name." The gift that keeps on giving.
Honestly, why don't I learn? How hard is it for me to learn from experience but this, this takes the roof off even for them. Pregnancy?
How old is he, how old is my mother, how old am I and most importantly, how old is she?
A child?
If not for themselves, can they spare me - a child they'd had without a thought - a thought and maybe, maybe just once be like gee - this isn't going to sit well with her, let's not do it.
Right, how could they? Why would they twentysix years later... I expect too much from them and they're not to blame because, they've never changed - I just expect too much.
How funny, I treat Ty better than my parents treat me.
Turns out people who leave everything behind and go to a totally foreign place aren't clueless after all. Why don't I give it a try?
I can already foresee the headlines:
Trent Dion's father wanted to cheer up his daughter from her failed engagement and got her a brother/sister.
And I thought Sara Tilli was tormenting me.
What do I say, they're not looking for my opinion, they're only updating me on what's new in their live. I have no say, can't comment and aren't allowed to show dissatisfaction. What a peach.
"We've ordered cake, let's celebrate before going onto lunch. Bring it out."
See, not looking for my input whatsoever, I'm nothing but wallpaper to them. Even if I kick up a fuss, it'll fall onto deaf ears.
Been there, done that - not worth a thing.
The cake comes out and it's so beautifully decorated, my mouth salivates - might as well find enjoyment where I can...until I see strawberries.
Ha. I'm allergic to strawberry but of course, they don't know that, how could they? Didn't matter that I've told them since I was six/seven years old...
I need to leave.
Too much exposure to them and I'll need detoxing for three months straight.
My exit strategy - what to do, what to do?
"So, what do you think TT, are you excited about being a big sister?" Yes, so excited; just the thing I need but didn't know I needed. How thoughtful of them to get it for me before I could ask.
"Excited, I can't wait." And my face doesn't crack even a bit. I'm practised at this, I can do it all day - not that I want to, I'll have suffocated before it reached the end.
"Eat, eat, you haven't touched your cake. Lydia likes strawberries the most, have some. It's really good."
Might be the exit strategy I need. But why put myself through that stuffiness only to escape my parents? Not worth the five hours it will take to get the swelling down. Yeah - no, my scale of desperation hasn't reached ten yet.
"I'm allergic to strawberry." Straight to the point, without any sugar coating. Why must I be the only one to suffer through the awkwardness and uncomfortableness of the situation, when they won't even put in one percent into making me feel like - I don't know - I'm their offspring and they would love to get to know me, why must I be tolerant of their behaviour?
I will like to declare this isn't my usual conduct, I've just been stimulated a lot in the last couple of weeks and can't find the patience I usually have for them. Yes, usually I would find a plausible excuse as why I couldn't have the cake. Not today, today I found out my father is going to get another wife and child - a wife that doesn't look that older than me might I add. Treat me like a human, I can't act like everything is fine with the world.
"Oh? How careless of me. Then, we'll order something else. Tell me, what would you like to have? "
Yeah, I can't do this. Credit me for not screaming, shouting or throwing a tantrum. I tried, didn't I? I would at least get a B for not fussing about. I just...I can't do this.
Right. There's a charity event being held I wasn't going to attend, it can't be worse than this. At least Margaret is there even though my outfit is not up to my ordained standard, my presence has to matter more, I hope?
Let's go save the less fortunate. Why not?
"Mom, dad, I have to go. I have a thing... Lydia, it was nice meeting you. Let's do this another time, on me..."
"But you haven't had anything..."
"It's okay. I'll get something on the way."
I mean, on the way - way the other side of town from you. Out of sight, out of mind.
"Trent..."
Like it's enough to get me to turn back. Till next time, next time on Christmas or new year's eve - preferably new year. This was nice, like all the other times we did it. Let's do it again...
The charity event is held at the new hotel that's all the rave these days. This hotel that the Druid's had eyed for themselves in the beginning and found they didn't have the means. Who's the owner now?
"Didn't you say you weren't going to come?" Margaret, bad influence Margaret who left me alone last night for some pants.
"I wasn't but I met with the Dions today."
"Oh, what's happening in their merry fairy world?"
"My father is getting another wife and child."
"Well, it's better... What?"
"You're less animated than I thought you would be."
"Wait, your father is leaving your mother?"
"No, no; they're...It's complicated. I'll fill you in later."
"Let me warn you then, Mr and Mrs Sebastian Druid are here."
Why wouldn't they be? It isn't going to stop till the sky crushes me to the ground.
I need a drink, heavy and numbing drink...