Her Last Family Dinner

“I am not going, Liana. You can’t make me.” The words were barely audible through the shower running in the background.

“I’m sure they don’t want to go either, but they said they would. Besides, this isn’t for them and this isn’t for us, Rebecca. This is for your sister.`` A girl came out from the closet holding two dresses in her hands. Holding one dress up as if it was on she posed in the mirror, giving each outfit a try. 

The shower shut off and the bathroom door opened more than it already was, another girl coming out with a towel wrapped around her body to prevent water from getting everywhere.

“Don’t guilt trip me. It works too well.” She kissed Liana on the cheek before heading to the bed where she spotted a new outfit prepared for her.

The dinner was quiet, no one had even greeted each other more than a nod with minimal eye contact. It was peaceful at the least, which was all anyone could ask for. The table was neatly set up, each person's plate and utensils made to look like they were in a restaurant. Dinner was served, however it was untouched as everybody was hesitant to move. Finally, the silence broke.

“Well, thank you guys for coming. It’s so nice to finally see you guys again. I’m going to be honest, I thought you would’ve all said no.” Mya was comforted by her boyfriend's hand before she continued to greet her awkwardly silent family. “Please, eat. This took forever to make.” She tried her best to lighten the mood, which was not the easiest job to have in these circumstances.

“Thank you for inviting us darling. You always reach out to your father and I, we really appreciate it.” Those words from their mother were a dull jab to Rebecca, however she knew not to let it get to her. She looked at Liana, took a deep breath, and continued on by grabbing a serving.

“Oh, of course mom. Dad and you are always welcome here. My house is your house.” Mya smiled at her mom before she plopped a serving of mashed potatoes onto her plate as well as her mothers.

“How sweet, right darling? We are finally accepted into one of our daughters' homes.”

Silence. Not awkward, but tense. Rebecca gripped her fork tightly, trying her best to keep her composure as her parents continued to not-so-subtly call her out. She felt the want to speak up, but she knew it would go nowhere, so she bit her tongue and let it go.

“Mya,” Her mother grabbed her hand with a smile, “I am so glad I raised you right.”

That was it. She didn’t care to hold her tongue any longer.

“Are you kidding me?” She turned her head towards her parents and let loose. ”I don’t mean anything against you Mya when I say any of this, but that is insane.” Liana tried to place her hand on her partner, but nothing. “I graduated from University, I started Medical School to become a doctor, I got married before I moved in with my partner, and so much more. And you are saying you didn’t raise me right?” 

“Rebecca, do not raise your voice at us, we are your parents.” Her father stood up, pointing his finger across the table to his daughter who was beginning to fume with rage. “No one put down your achievements, but we sure as hell did not raise you right.” 

“Why? Because I turned out gay? That isn’t wrong! When will you let it go?” Liana began to stand up, grabbing her bag as well as Rebecca's hand.

“I think we should get going, I’m sorry Mya.” Mya stood up, trying to stop her father from talking anymore.

“It is wrong, Becca, and you know that better than anyone else. We tried, we really did. We took you to Sunday school, you had boyfriends before, you know what is normal. You didn’t start thinking about this until college, when you met her.” 

Liana began to drag Becca towards the door but she refused. Mya began to beg her father to stop talking, but he ignored her pleas. This was how dinner had been going for the past two years, and there were no signs of change.

“How can you reject your own daughter? You were supposed to love me unconditionally, and yet you don’t even answer my calls.” Her eyes began to well up with tears as she opened up to her parents. “I have tried so hard to convince you to have me in your lives again, and every time is the same answer. Do you even love me anymore? Do you only consider Mya your daughter?” 

Everyone stood in silence as they waited for the answer. He was hesitant, staring at the wall as Rebecca tried hard not to cry anymore than she already had. The longer her father waited, the more they understood his answer. 

“You will always be our daughter. Our little girl. But if this is how you want to live, being married and poisoned by that girl and her lifestyle, then your mother and I believe it best to separate ourselves from you.” His tone was soft but his words hit like a knife for her. She walked up to her parents, slowly looking up at them with her red and puffy eyes. Liana stared at the ground, unable to make eye contact with anyone at this point.

“Have you ever even tried to talk to her? You have not once given her a chance. We have been married for two years and I bet you don’t even know her name. Tell me. Tell me her name.” Her mom sat quietly as her father shook his head, neither answering the question.

“We should go...” Liana’s voice peeked out, small and almost inaudible. Rebecca shook her head, walking over to her wife and holding her hand.

“Her name is Liana Ramirez. She is 25 and she currently is an elementary school teacher as well as the host of their art club. She loves kids, and they love her. Her students' faces light up when they see her, and they bring her gifts almost every day. She keeps them too, all of them. Even the ones that are stick drawings you can barely make out.” Her father began to hold his hand up to silence her but she kept going. “She also volunteers. Where? Anywhere she can find. Last weekend she went to the soup kitchen and even baked dessert for them, with her own ingredients. The weekend before she and I went to the animal shelter and now foster 3 puppies.”

“Rebecca, please. Enough.” Her mother spoke out, but she refused to stop.

“No, not enough. This woman is the kindest, most selfless, and most loving woman I have ever met. She is so kind she gives you guys the benefit of the doubt every time. I wouldn’t even have come if she hadn’t dragged me here. She wanted me to make amends. She wanted me to see if I could have my family again but you know what?”

She walked Liana to the door and swung it open before turning back one last time.

“She is my family now, I don’t need you guys. I am tired of trying to be a part of something I am clearly not welcome in. Thanks for inviting us, Mya. Next time, don’t waste your time.”

With that, Rebecca turned back to Liana, kissed her forehead, and shut the door, leaving her family dinner for the last time.