Meeting My Fiancé’s Parents for Dinner Took an Unexpected Turn – Story of the Day

I Was Excited to Meet My Fiancé’s Parents, but Dinner Turned Into a Nightmare – Story of the Day

It should have been thrilling to meet my fiancé’s parents, but nothing could have prepared me for the subsequent tension and criticism. The evening became a blur of events I will never forget because of the silent looks, incisive remarks, and surprising secrets.

Mark had only recently proposed to me after we had been dating for approximately a year. Although it wasn’t the romantic, candlelit proposal I had envisioned as a young child, it was sincere, and I could tell it was motivated by love.

Besides, it was only a question of timing; Mark and I would have become engaged anyhow.

Shortly after we learned I was expecting, he proposed. Everything changed when we saw those two tiny lines, even if the pregnancy wasn’t expected. Together, we were excited, anxious, and prepared to face motherhood.

We were having supper with Mark’s parents that night, and I was really anxious.

Mark always characterized them as rigid and conventional, which gave me the impression that I was entering an interview rather than a family gathering.

Nevertheless, I convinced myself that I could convince them. I hoped that I had always been adept at making people like me.

As soon as Mark got home from work, I started going through my closet.

I must have spun around in front of the mirror, trying on ten different costumes and wondering, “Is this okay?”

“You look great,” Mark replied with a smile each time.

However, “great” was insufficient. I had to appear perfect. Initial impressions were crucial.

When I realized I had selected the first clothing I had tried on, I finally laughed at myself.

“Do you think I’ll be liked?” I twisted my hair into place and asked.

Naturally, people will like you. How were they unable to? Observing me in the mirror, Mark murmured.

“However, what if they don’t?” I turned to him and inquired.

“Then it doesn’t matter,” he stated in a composed tone. “The fact that I like you is all that matters.”

“Like?” I raised an eyebrow in teasing.

Mark grinned. “You are the person I like the most.” I adore you much more now.

I chuckled quietly. “Nice save.”

Mark’s smile was warm and comforting as he moved in to kiss me. “You’ll be flawless.”

I gently took up the cherry pie I had made for the dinner when we were ready.

It was reassuring to smell warm and delicious, like a little reminder that I worked hard tonight. I climbed in with Mark after he opened the car door for me.

I noticed that Mark was holding on to the steering wheel a bit too tightly while we were driving to his parents’ place.

His eyes were fixed on the horizon, and his jaw was fixed. “Are you alright?” I asked quietly.

He responded, “Yeah,” but his tone faltered. I grabbed his hand as I reached across. I couldn’t tell if I was attempting to soothe myself or him.

Mark grumbled and turned to face me as we drove up in front of the home. “Just… please, don’t say anything superfluous.”

I vowed, “I won’t.”

With our hearts racing, we made our way to the door when Mark rang the bell. His mother showed up a little later.

With a harsh yet courteous tone, she said, “Hello, we’ve been waiting for you.” With her gaze fixated on me, she said, “I’m Erin, but I assume you already know that.”

“Yes, I’m Danica,” I said, feigning a smile while extending the pie. “I made a pie with cherries.” It’s your favorite, Mark informed me.

Erin’s smile vanished from her face in an instant. “A pie, perhaps? I assumed that the host was in charge of the meals. Or do you believe that I am incapable of making my own pie?

“No, obviously not!” “Quickly,” I said. All I wanted to do was present something unique. I didn’t mean to cause you any offense.

She glanced at me and then back at the pie. It’s alright. Without saying another word, she moved aside and said, “Come in.”

It was dreadfully quiet at dinner. The only noises were the scrape of a chair here and there and the clinking of silverware.

I assumed Mark was kidding when he told me that his family didn’t converse at meals.

It seemed strange and uncomfortable to sit there in silence. I looked at Mark, but he only smiled at me in a comforting little way.

I got up to assist Erin in clearing the table after we had finished our meal. She merely nodded and mumbled a brief “thank you,” saying little else.

George, Mark’s father, sat rigidly in the living room and hardly gave me a glance.

He appeared disinterested, as though I were an unexpected visitor. When the topic of the wedding came up, I didn’t have anything to say.

“What style of dress are you considering?” Erin questioned, looking at me as if she were already evaluating my response.

George interrupted me before I could reply. “Erin, don’t bother the girl. All evening, you have been asking her a ton of questions. It was the first time he had spoken to me, but his tone was rough.

It’s alright. Despite my waning nerves, I smiled slightly and answered, “I don’t mind.”

You see, George? Erin smiled back at me for the first time and added, “She doesn’t mind.” I exhaled a tiny sigh of relief as it was almost like approbation.

I took Mark’s hand, grinned, and gazed at him. I felt grounded by his touch. However, when Erin’s smile stiffened, the warmth of the moment disappeared.

Her tone was stern as she continued, “Danica, dear, in our family, we don’t show affection in front of others, especially before marriage.”

I let go of Mark’s hand as if it were on fire. I muttered, mortified, “I’m sorry.”

“So, what kind of dress do you want?” Erin went on, turning back to me. Your figure is really beautiful. You would look great in a long, fitting item.

I paused as my cheeks began to flush. “Well, this figure won’t be with me for long. I was considering something more flowing because I will be five months pregnant by the wedding.

Mark hid his face in his hands and moaned softly. I felt sick to my stomach.

“Five months along?” Erin’s eyebrow lifted in shock when her voice was cut off.

I gave a nod. “I’m pregnant,” I said plainly.

It seemed as though the room froze. Erin let out a gasp and clutched her chest as if I had just admitted to a crime. She muttered, “Oh, my God.” “What a shame! There will be an unwed child born to my son!

Startled, I blinked. “What, excuse me?”

“This is dishonorable! Our family is ashamed of you! How could you have done that before getting married? Erin yelled, her voice getting louder as she spoke.

I tried to remain composed as I said, “We’re adults.” “We can’t wait for this baby—”

“Stop talking, Danica,” Mark mumbled to himself.

“How did you select such an unabashed fiancée?” Mark was shouted at by Erin. “You must have been tempted by her!”

“Stop screaming at her, Erin. George interrupted her tirade to say, “She’s pregnant.”

“That’s the issue! What will people say? Erin let out a cry. “Please leave my house! I’d rather not see you ever again!

I stumbled and started crying, asking myself, “What did I do? I don’t get it.

“This family is a disgrace because of you and your illegitimate child!” Erin spit out. “Perhaps an abortion is still an option?”

I let out a gasp. “What? What do you say? Choking on my tears, I sobbed. Mark’s face was unreadable as he remained mute.

Finally, Mark grabbed my hand and said, “Danica, let’s go.”

His annoyance boiled over outside. He shouted, “What was that?!” at me.

“That’s what I should be asking you!” With a trembling voice, I shot back.

“I warned you not to say anything superfluous!” He lost his temper.

“I had no idea our child was deemed “unnecessary” by you!” I shouted.

“Not to me—to them,” he shot back.

“You claimed that their viewpoints were irrelevant!” I shook my head and sobbed.

His voice was flat as he added, “I told you that they were conservative.”

With a broken heart, I gazed at him. I said firmly, “I’m staying at my place tonight,” and then I turned away.

Mark took me to my previous apartment, where I still had a month remaining on my contract. The journey was tense and silent.

Without saying anything, I got out as soon as he pulled up. I went inside and sat on the couch with tears in my eyes.

I kept playing back the supper till my chest hurt. Mark hadn’t spoken up for our child or for me.

How was he able to tolerate his mother’s remarks? As my mind raced, I put a hand to my stomach and wondered if the baby was suffering from all this stress.

The following morning, I was startled awake by a loud knock. I walked drowsily to the door and opened it. George’s face was unreadable as he stood there.

“How are you?” George asked in a forceful but composed tone.

“Why are you in this place?” I crossed my arms and snapped.

He looked down and added, “I came to apologize for Erin.” “She can be a bit too emotional at times.”

After hesitating, I took a step back. “Do you want to enter?”

He shook his head in response, saying, “No, I won’t stay long.” “I simply wanted to clarify.” For her, this is personal. Even more conservative than she is, her parents were. She was already expecting Mark when we were married.

Stunned, I gazed at him. “What? So why did she respond so badly to my pregnancy?

George shifted uneasily and sighed. She’s always been embarrassed about it. She believes that we ought to have waited. She struggles with it, but she doesn’t regret having Mark. I wanted to let you know.

I scowled, still in pain but attempting to comprehend. “Is it the reason she behaved that way toward me? To preserve some archaic notion of pride?

George gave a nod. Indeed. If Erin continues to complain, you can notify Mark about this or perhaps Erin’s family.

I whispered, “I won’t tell anyone.” “I want her to feel less hurt than I do right now.”

George nodded slightly to me before turning to go.

I made the decision to go back to Mark after he departed. But I froze as I went outside. He stood with a bunch of flowers in his hands.

“I apologize,” Mark replied, glancing directly at me. “I ought to have defended you and the infant. I was afraid and unsure of what to do.

“I appreciate your apology. I said, “It hurt so much.”

“It will never occur again. “I swear, I’ll be by your side no matter what,” he said steadily.

I gave a little smile as I nodded. “I’m grateful.”

I gave Mark a kiss as he leaned in.

His phone buzzed abruptly. To respond, he moved aside.

When he returned, he said, “It was my mom.” She wishes to express regret. What is your favorite pie, she inquired?

I gave a small smile. “Tell her that I also adore cherry pie.”

Mark smiled. “It appears that you already share something.”

I muttered, “You have no idea,” and let him to embrace me.

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