Another chapter in the neverending saga of Paul and Alexandra, Katie thought as a perfectly good wine glass shattered against the far wall, red wine streaming down the stark white paint like blood. Alexandra, the glass-thrower, screamed at Paul that he’d never loved her, that no one wanted him there because he was an awful person. Paul retorted that Alexandra was over-the-hill, desperately, pathetically, trying to hold on to her youth and failing miserably. Katie stood, throwing her hands in the air.
“ENOUGH!” Katie shrieked, rattling the windows.
Alexandra and Paul immediately quieted, turning to face Katie in shock.
“Haven’t the two of you ruined enough family gatherings?” In the preceding years, Katie and her siblings had gone to ridiculous lengths to keep their bickering parents separated, and she was fed up. She turned to her mother.
“I invited dad here. I’m getting married tomorrow. He has as much right to be here as you do.” She faced them both sternly. “Both of you should be ashamed. Your children are embarrassed of you. If you behave this way tomorrow I’m having the both of you thrown out on your butts and you can argue in the back alley like a couple of hillbillies. This nonsense,” she swirled her finger between the two of them, “is over. Do you understand?”
Her parents stared back at her in stunned silence. She stepped closer. “I said – DO…YOU…UNDERSTAND?”
Paul and Alexandra looked at each other, then responded in unison. “Yes, ma’am.”
Jennifer Terry 
She’s certainly turned the tables on them. Sounds like they could’ve used it a long time ago. Well done!
Yes, I think even when you’re an adult it’s hard to stand up to your parents! Thanks 🙂
Great imagery with back alley brawling and swirling fingers! Really liked this – maybe family gatherings will improve now that they’ve been called on the carpet…
Thanks! Yes, I hope things improve.
Very nice.
Thank you!
Sometimes the child does have to become the parent. Very well written 🙂
Thanks!
If only it always worked that well in real life! Luckily my own parents don’t do this, but I’ve known others who did, and they just keep on shouting no matter what their kids say. It’s really sad.
I know families like that too. So sad. Thanks for reading.
Thank you Katie. When parents fail to behave children can call them to order. I support this fully.
Definitely, especially at such an important event. Thanks for reading!
Indeed. Parents should learn to agree. If they agree and have children, they should agree to the end. Children bind for life.
Haha. Look who’s doing the ‘parenting’ now.
Ha! Exactly! Thanks for reading.
I loved the role reversal! Well done.
Thanks!
Sounds like the child turned into the adult hehe. Good story
🙂 Thanks!
Harrowing then funny.
Enjoyable read, well done.
Thanks!
Great story. I love the description “red wine streaming down the stark white paint like blood.” It’s a very vivid image.
Thank you!
Some people only know how to function within dysfunction. I’ve known too many folks like that. And sadly, the “Child Becomes The Parent” reversal only continues as the parent ages and becomes elderly.
But enough of that. Congrats Katie. May your marriage be happy and long. 🙂
So very true. I’ve heard stories of mothers demanding their ex not be invited to their child’s wedding because he’d remarried. Ridiculous. Looking back on the story now, I’m surprised Katie even wanted to get married.
Absolutely brilliant! 😀
Thanks!
Good thought – parents do need parenting 🙂
Yes, sometimes they do! Thanks for reading.