Page 53 of Lightness In My Dark

“What?”

“Lost your job?”

Her parents questioned her at the same time. Wren took a sip of wine and waited. What was going through her mind?

Megan said, “How does one lose their job?” She looked to Arthur for an answer and then added, “You mean, they fired you.”

This time, Wren gulped her wine.

Her mom didn’t wait for Wren’s response. “It explains your weight gain.”

My mouth dropped open. Wren wasn’t fat.What the fuck?What a bitch!

Instead of Wren saying something, she sank her body deeper into the chair. Back and forth, Megan and Arthur exchanged offences toward Wren. I kept my mouth shut, hoping, waiting for Wren to stick up for herself, but it never happened.

We finished dinner when Megan said, “Oh, I almost forgot. We ran into that young man you dated when you were eighteen.”

Wren’s body hardened. Her eyes widened at her mom. “Wha—what do you mean you ran into him?”

“We ran into him at the mall. He was Christmas shopping.” Megan looked over at Arthur. “What was his name, dear?”

“Conner.”

“Yes, Conner. Such a nice young man.” Megan glanced at me and then narrowed her eyes at Wren. “Stop slouching. You’ll have a humpback in no time.”

Wren sat with tears dripping down her face. “Wha—what did you tell him?”

Megan shrugged. “He asked how you were doing and where you were living.”

Her breathing came hard and rapid. Wren clutched her chest when she asked, “What did you tell him?”

“I told him you were living in Walt Gate.” Her mother gave her an agitated look. “What’s wrong with you? You’re acting childish.”

Wren turned pale, dropped her napkin on the floor, and rushed toward the washrooms. I guessed her mother’s taunts got to her. I tossed my napkin on the table and went after her. I stepped into the sitting area of the ladies’ room where Wren sat crying.

I kneeled in front of her and placed my hands on her knees. “Don’t let them get to you.”

A woman walked in and frowned at my presence.

I ignored it as I rubbed my hands on Wren’s legs. “Are you ready to go home?” She blew her nose and nodded. “Okay. I’ll close out the bill.”

Arthur and Megan continued to talk and drink as if nothing happened. I called the server over as I watched them with disdain. They looked up in surprise when they saw me closing out the check. I clicked the pen and handed everything over to the server.

Wren approached, and I stood, leaned toward her parents, and said, “I’ve sat here for two hours while you both criticized and spoke condescendingly to your daughter.” I lifted my hand and pointed a finger upwards. My voice rose with it. “Not one nice thing came out of your mouths.”

Her mom said, “How dare you—”

“No! How dare you?” I pointed my finger at her. “What kind of parents put their daughter down at every opportune time? Your daughter is the nicest person I ever met. She’s thoughtful, smart, and funny. It’s unfortunate neither of you has ever noticed.”

Both were about to say something, but I was quicker. “If you ever did, you’ve obviously forgotten.”

I stood straight, gulped the last of my whiskey, and finished. “You’re welcome to come to our wedding, but until you apologize to your daughter, you won’t play any role in it.” I buttoned my coat and held out my hand as Wren slipped hers in. “Good night.”

We waited for the car to warm up. Wren’s tears had died down.

I released the longest breath and said, “Your parents are dicks.”

Wren sniffled and then let out a giggle. Her tears and laughter increased. I joined in, but not before I took her hand, brought it to my lips, and kissed it. After meeting her parents, I understood Wren better. Her feelings remained reserved. She struggled with being touched because of her robotic parents. Their words struck down any self-esteem from her. They reduced her to an insecure woman. I wanted that to change, and I wanted to be the one to change it. Wren deserved a lot more than what her shitty parents gave her.

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