Which brings me back to my sister’s wedding.
The invitation arrived six months ago, dripping with presumption. Allison was marrying Bradford Wellington IV, heir to a banking fortune. Nathan was scheduled to be in Tokyo.
“I can reschedule,” he offered.
“No,” I insisted. “This is too important for ReedTech. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll try to make it back for the reception,” he promised. “Even if it’s just for the end.”
So I found myself driving alone to the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. I hadn’t seen most of my family in nearly two years. I checked my reflection: sophisticated emerald green dress, understated diamond studs from Nathan, hair in a classic updo. I looked successful, confident, untouchable. I only wished I felt that way inside.
The Fairmont’s grand ballroom was a floral wonderland, exactly the over-the-top display my parents adored.
“Miss Campbell,” the usher said, “we have you at table 19.”
Not the family table, of course.
My cousin Rebecca spotted me first. “Meredith! What a surprise. And you came alone?”
“I did,” I replied simply.
“How brave,” she said with manufactured sympathy. “After what happened with that professor you were dating… Mom said it was just devastating when he left you for his teaching assistant.”
A complete fabrication. “Your memory must be confusing me with someone else,” I said calmly.
The family-gossip gauntlet began. Aunt Vivian critiqued my “practical” haircut. Uncle Harold loudly wondered if my “paper-pushing government job” could ever attract a decent husband. My cousin Tiffany, the maid of honor, approached with air kisses.
“Meredith! God, it’s been ages. Allison was just saying she wasn’t sure you’d come. You know, since you missed the bridal shower, and the bachelorette, and the rehearsal dinner…”
Each event had conflicted with critical operations I couldn’t disclose. “Work commitments,” I said.
“Right, your mysterious government job,” she said, making air-quotes. “Bradford’s cousin works for the State Department. He says those administrative roles can be so demanding.”
I just smiled. Let them believe I was a clerical worker.
My mother appeared, resplendent in pale blue. “Meredith, you made it. Your sister was concerned.” Her eyes performed a rapid inventory, looking for flaws. “That color washes you out.”
Before I could respond, Allison made her entrance, now officially Mrs. Wellington. She was stunning. My father beamed with pride, looking at Allison as if she were the sun. I couldn’t remember him ever looking at me that way.
I was directed to table 19, seated with distant cousins and elderly relatives who couldn’t place me. “Are you one of the Wellington girls?” asked a hard-of-hearing great-aunt.
“No, I’m Robert and Patricia’s daughter,” I explained. “Allison’s sister.”
“Oh,” her face registered surprise. “I didn’t know there was another daughter.”
Dinner proceeded. From my distant vantage point, I watched my family holding court, laughing and celebrating without a glance in my direction. The traditional family photos had been taken earlier, without me.
I maintained my composure, sipping water. Nathan had texted: Landing soon. ETA 45 minutes.
When the dancing began, I retreated to a quiet corner. Nathan would be here soon.
“You could at least try to look like you’re enjoying yourself,” my mother hissed, appearing at my side. “Your perpetual sulking is becoming a topic of conversation.”
“I’m not sulking, Mother.”
“Well, observe with a smile. The Wellingtons are important people. Don’t embarrass us. The least you could have done was bring a date.”
Again, I didn’t bother explaining. The reception was in full swing when my father tapped his glass for a toast.
“Today,” he began, “is the proudest day of my life. My beautiful Allison has made a match that exceeds even a father’s highest hopes.” He raised his glass. “To Allison, who has never disappointed us. From her first steps to her graduation from Juilliard, she has been nothing but a source of pride.”
My chest tightened. The unspoken conclusion was obvious. As he continued extolling Allison’s virtues, I quietly slipped away toward the terrace doors. I needed air. The evening sun was setting over the hotel’s famous courtyard fountain.
“Leaving so soon, Meredith?”
My father’s voice boomed from behind me. He stood ten feet away, microphone still in hand. The entire reception was looking at us.
“Just getting some air,” I replied.
“Running away, more like it,” he said, the microphone amplifying his words. “Classic Meredith. You’ve missed half the wedding events. You arrived alone, without even the courtesy of bringing a plus-one.”
“I’m sorry if my attendance alone offended you,” I said carefully.
“She couldn’t even find a date!” my father announced to the room. Scattered, nervous laughter followed. “Thirty-two years old and not a prospect in sight! Meanwhile, your sister has secured one of Boston’s most eligible bachelors!”
The laughter grew. “Dad,” I said quietly. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“It’s exactly the time and place!” he retorted, advancing on me. “This is a celebration of success, of family achievement! Something you would know nothing about!”
I glanced at my mother and sister. They simply watched. My mother with a tight smile, Allison with barely concealed satisfaction.
“You think we don’t know why you’re really alone?” my father continued. “Why you hide behind that mysterious government job? You’ve always been jealous of your sister! Always the disappointment! Always the failure!”
He was inches from me now. “Dad, please stop,” I whispered.
