If I have to (bwwm)

Chapter 26

As we continued our meal I tried my best to drown out Mrs. Gallo.  Her voice is like a weird mix between Wendy Williams and Kim Kardashian.

James, Keith, and their dad are too deep into their own conversation to notice how rude she is being. Saying little things here and there. She stops throwing shade for a moment to talk to another guest.

It's apparent to only me that Ali has been drinking more than usual tonight.  Like always, I know I'm gonna have to stop her before she surpasses her limit. Also, I'll have to do it without anyone noticing.  It shouldn't be that hard. Besides the occasionally looks that James gives, no one is paying me much attention.  So maybe I could just-

"Red & gold very bold colors. "
Before I could finish my plan Mrs. Wanna be Kris Jenner is back at it like she never left.

"Bold girls that wear them," Ali said.

"Boldness can be nothing but an act, an illusion. " she spat.

" Well to be strong is to be bold,"  I muttered remembering what sia used to say.

"Strong,? Sweetheart, no offense but  you two  wouldn't know strength if it was sleeping next to you."  She said side-eying her sons.

"Well, no offense Mrs. Gallo but you don't know a damn thing about us. " Ali said.

"And that my dear is the problem.  Besides, I know that you aren't built for this life. Neither of you. "

"Okay, mom that's enough let's enjoy the nice dinner you've put together. " Keith said trying to calm them down.

For a second things were nice. About three minutes of silence from our table. Until my tipsy Ali cat opened her mouth. " Moe I would have done a better job than this. Hell, even a fish out of water with titties would have done a better job."

Okay, now I'm positive she's had enough. I want to laugh and ask her what kind of insult is that.  Instead, I take the opportunity to  get her out of the room."Um, Ali, you have some make-up to touch up. Maybe you should go to the bathroom and fix it."  I told her low enough for only her ears.

Luckily she cares about her appearance more than anything.  Without any fuss, she excuses herself like a lady and leaves.

Once she out of sight I pull to the waiter to the side to tell him to cut her drinks off.  He nodded and continued his work. Well, that's one mess avoided.

I can't help but notice two pairs of eyes on me. Apparently, Mr. and Mrs. Gallo saw me and understand the situation.  Great, the last thing I need is to give this bitch something else to say.

I ignore both of their gazes and continue to eat my dinner.  Ali was right she would've done a better job. Haven't the caterer ever heard of seasoning?  I've had ice more flavorful than this.

"You must be tired of taking care of others." I heard a voice but I never bothered to pick my head up. I already know that its James.

"So lance how do you feel about your sons dating choices?"  Now that got my attention.  I lift my head up to see who asked the question. 

"Well, Patrick my sons seem happy so that's all that matters. Besides Ali isn't a stranger to us and Morgan appears to be a benevolent young lady."

"Well, honey Looks can be deceiving. You see Patrick my husband is okay with new faces me not so much. My mother always said be very aware of the things that find their way into your home."
Mrs. Gallo said

Ladies and gentlemen, there will come a point in time where you will have to bite your tongue. There will also come a time where you will have to speak your mind.  James chose his at the same time as I did.

Our words met in mid-air only to hang over the dinner table like a rain cloud.  "What is your damn problem? "

The unison question aims at one person.  We all waited patiently.  Hell even Ali made it back in time to wait with us.

"What I missed ?" Ali came back in better spirits. I hope she keeps them around because we'll need them.

"You know what my problem is?  My problem is that I specifically ask my sons time and time again to respect me. But no what do they do? Bring trash into my home."

A string of reactions is given to Mrs. Gallo.  All of them upset and confused. "Why would you say that and don't talk about them that way. "

I freeze, however. I literally stop moving as my thoughts quicken. The last time someone fixed their mouth to call me that was years ago. 

*Flashback*
"Please let me go! I pleaded on the first day. Please, I'm just a little girl. "

"Shut up you piece of trash. Maybe if your daddy  wouldn't
Forget where he came from, You wouldn't be in this mess. No, but he wanted to be a hotshot. He always was an overachieving piece of shit."

Already I wasn't used to this man and his vocabulary. My parents hardly ever cursed.  Not to mention spoke so violently. 

Your father is gonna come for you. He won't leave with you though. Its been a while since I've seen him and I can't wait to catch up with ass.

Although crying hysterically I find the words and ask him what did he mean. Why was he doing this?

My kidnapper was all too eager to tell his relationship with my father. At thirteen I had finally heard the story of it all. The answers to the questions that I had been asking for years.

*End of flashback*

In my life, I have learned that there are two types of sadness. Ones that lead you to react to an event. The other that leads you to do unspeakable things. Not only have I learned them, but I have mastered them.